Cognitive Dissonance: Reexamining a Pivotal Theory in Psychology

Editor: Eddie Harmon-Jones

Edition: Second

Language: English

Publisher: American Psychological Association

Dimensions: 7.25 x 0.75 x 10.25 inches

ISBN-10: 1433830108

ISBN-13: 978-1433830105

Publication Date: March 12, 2019

Print Length: 303 pages

2019 Outstanding Academic Title

Mental processes such as the discomfort experienced when holding contradictory beliefs or engaging in behavior that contradicts one’s values are explored. This book delves into scenarios like a person acting unhealthily, an honest individual telling a “white lie,” and experiencing changes in value judgment after making choices between equally appealing options.

First introduced by Dr. Leon Festinger in 1954, cognitive dissonance has become a cornerstone of psychological theory. In this updated edition, Eddie Harmon-Jones revisits the concept, integrating contemporary discoveries on its role in various information processes and linking it to other motivational dynamics. New contributors introduce mathematical and action-based models that elucidate how dissonance operates, while also providing evidence on the neural correlates underlying cognitive dissonance, offering a comprehensive view of this influential psychological theory.