Psy 362 Topic 3 DQ2
Assume that an individual engages in behaviors that are in conflict with their stated religious
beliefs, and they experience dissonance. What impact might this have on their beliefs? What
might allow people to productively resolve that dissonance?
Cognitive Dissonance is the mental discomfort an individual has when they have conflicting
beliefs, ideas, and values. An individual who engages in behaviors that are in conflict with their
religious beliefs they most likely will experience dissonance to some degree. I will use myself as
an example for this. We all sin, every day we sin. Even the holiest individuals are said to sin at
least 7 times a day. When I commit a sin that is grave in nature a “mortal” sin. It weighs heavily
on my conscious. I will beat myself up horribly, I will feel so guilty, and disgusting. I know that
this is the devil’s tricks to keep me away from confession, he wants to beat me into a state of
despair. Sometimes, he gets me very close. This impact reminds me that Jesus suffered for these
sins, and because I am mentally suffering right now, if I suffer in love, I can offer this at the foot
of the cross and repent. A productive way to resolve this dissonance, is to remember the sacrifice
on the cross. Speak with your priest, make a good confession and repent, ask for forgiveness and
try really really hard to not do that same sin again, and stay away from things that could cause
you to offend God
ADDITIONAL NOTES FOR CONSIDERATION:
Dissonance is aroused whenever people experience inconsistency between two cognitions
( Gilovich et al, 2016). One who may experience dissonance in regards to their beliefs may be
impacted one of two ways. They will feel convicted and guilty and start seeking ways to change
their behavior, or they will get comfortable with back sliding and stay back slid. Going to their
spiritual leader for guidance, prayer, advice is one way that people can productively resolve their
dissonance. Depending on their beliefs some people have written passage they can follow to
support and encourage them. Meditation and becoming one with yourself and your spirituality
helps bring things back to a centered calm and is another way that can resolve this issue.
Assume that an individual engages in behaviors that are in conflict with their stated religious
beliefs, and they experience dissonance. What impact might this have on their beliefs? What
might allow people to productively resolve that dissonance?
Cognitive Dissonance is the mental discomfort an individual has when they have conflicting
beliefs, ideas, and values. An individual who engages in behaviors that are in conflict with their
religious beliefs they most likely will experience dissonance to some degree. I will use myself as
an example for this. We all sin, every day we sin. Even the holiest individuals are said to sin at
least 7 times a day. When I commit a sin that is grave in nature a “mortal” sin. It weighs heavily
on my conscious. I will beat myself up horribly, I will feel so guilty, and disgusting. I know that
this is the devil’s tricks to keep me away from confession, he wants to beat me into a state of
despair. Sometimes, he gets me very close. This impact reminds me that Jesus suffered for these
sins, and because I am mentally suffering right now, if I suffer in love, I can offer this at the foot
of the cross and repent. A productive way to resolve this dissonance, is to remember the sacrifice
on the cross. Speak with your priest, make a good confession and repent, ask for forgiveness and
try really really hard to not do that same sin again, and stay away from things that could cause
you to offend God
ADDITIONAL NOTES FOR CONSIDERATION:
Dissonance is aroused whenever people experience inconsistency between two cognitions
( Gilovich et al, 2016). One who may experience dissonance in regards to their beliefs may be
impacted one of two ways. They will feel convicted and guilty and start seeking ways to change
their behavior, or they will get comfortable with back sliding and stay back slid. Going to their
spiritual leader for guidance, prayer, advice is one way that people can productively resolve their
dissonance. Depending on their beliefs some people have written passage they can follow to
support and encourage them. Meditation and becoming one with yourself and your spirituality
helps bring things back to a centered calm and is another way that can resolve this issue.
