Counter-attitudinal Behaviors
The contradiction that occurs when a person portrays a behavior that is different from their own personal beliefs
What is Counterattitudinal behaviors?
This psychologist developed the self-affirmation theory.
Who is Claude Steele?
This is a threat that motivates people to follow rules only when they believe they’re being observed.
What is punishment?
This is the first step in overcoming cognitive dissonance, involving recognizing when we justify our actions.
What is awareness?
This trait protects people from negative thoughts about failure and even fears about mortality.
What is healthy self-esteem?
Two ways a person would avoid dissonance
What is Internal Justification & External Justification?
According to cognitive dissonance theory, people strive to maintain this aspect of themselves.
What is self-esteem or self-identity?
This term refers to behavior influenced by the desire to avoid negative consequences rather than an internalized sense of right and wrong.
What is compliance?
This question helps us determine if we are learning or just defending our ego when facing conflicting evidence.
What is “Am I reflecting to learn or just defending myself?”
When self-love becomes excessive and is combined with a lack of empathy, it is called this.
What is narcissism?
The change of your own personal beliefs to tailor to the circumstances that you have been faced with
What is Internal Justification?
Values-affirmation writing has been shown to improve academic performance among this group of students.
Who are Black middle-school students?
This group is mentioned as learning not to cheat only when the teacher is present, illustrating situational ethics.
Who are schoolchildren?
This example illustrates how admitting mistakes can be difficult when it challenges identity and years of work.
Ex. Who is a prosecutor learning that someone they convicted might be innocent?
Narcissists struggle with this, which prevents them from learning from their mistakes.
What is admitting mistakes or self-reflection?
A person may find themselves in a situation where they believe it is acceptable to change their beliefs
What is External Justification?
According to Tesser, dissonance occurs when these three conditions are met—name one.
What is closeness, relevance, or performance difference?
This example illustrates how adults modify behavior based on visible enforcement, not internal values.
Ex. What is driving the speed limit only when a patrol car is nearby?
Overcoming cognitive dissonance involves this kind of examination of our behavior, done critically and without bias.
What is self-reflection or critical examination?
Unlike narcissists, people with this balance can stay confident while remaining open to learning and caring for others.
What is balanced or healthy self-esteem?
A person who promotes healthy lifestyles and clean eating but frequently consumes large amounts of unhealthy junk food exemplifies this behavior.
What is Counterattitudinal Behaviors?
This overarching theme connects all dissonance theories.
What is the need to maintain a positive self-concept?
This is the key criticism of using harsh punishment as a behavioral control strategy.
What is that it teaches people to avoid getting caught and not to value the correct behavior?
If ignored, this cycle involves making decisions, justifying them, and then becoming even more committed to them.
What is the cycle of self-justification?
Excessive self-love in narcissism can negatively affect these areas of life, including relationships, academics, and success.
What are personal and professional outcomes?