Cognitive Dissonance Theory (CDT) - Doc
Added on 2020-04-21
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Running head: COGNITIVE DISSONANCE IN MEAN GIRLSCognitive Dissonance in Mean GirlsName of the studentName of the UniversityAuthor note
1COGNITIVE DISSONANCE IN MEAN GIRLS
2COGNITIVE DISSONANCE IN MEAN GIRLSDefinition of Cognitive Dissonance Theory (CDT)Cognitive Dissonance refers to the mental discomfort that is experienced by a personwhen he has to perform an action that contradicts the values and personal beliefs of a person.(Ciao et al., 2015). According to the principle of consistency theory, new stimuli are assimilatedwith that of the old encountered stimuli. If the new stimulus is found to be inconsistent, thenacute discomfort is experienced by the person. Human beings crave for consistency andpsychological inconsistency gives rise to dissonance. Dissonance triggers effort that helps inachieving consonance. The cognitions that are contradictory and are of less importance give riseto less amount of dissonance. The relevant cognitions being consistent and outnumbering thedissonant one, will produce less amount of dissonance. Attitudes and thoughts that areinconsistent give rise to feelings of dissonance that provides a feeling of unpleasant arousal. Thedissonant beliefs should be reduced and adding to the consonant beliefs can serve as usefultechniques in dealing with the dissonance.Application of Cognitive Dissonance Theory in “Mean Girls”Cady Heron who was born in Africa was a victim of culture shock when she joined theAmerican High School and wanted to become a part of the “girl world”. Friendships are fake inthat world and tensions are rampant as she is forced to assimilate in the “Plastics” that is apopular group. It brings to the fore a strong woman who has a fixed perspective on everything.(Oliver, 2013).The movie highlights the brutality that exists in the heart of the high schoolstudents.
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