Cognitive Dissonnce, 4

The cognitive dissonance theory suggests that humans have an inner drive to avoid disharmony of thoughts and behaviors and maintain all attitudes and behaviors in harmony, a position referred to as the principle of cognitive consistency. When inconsistency exists between attitudes or behaviors, the person must change something to reduce or eliminate the discomfort of dissonance. There are several ways to reduce the dissonance. For example, if one of the dissonant elements is a behavior, you can change or eliminate the behavior. Because it is difficult for people to alter their behaviors, this mode of dissonance reduction may not be selected. For example, the doctor has told a patient with insulin-dependent diabetes that eating three candy bars a day is wreaking havoc with insulin levels. The patient refuses to alter a high-sugar intakes.