Leon Festinger Books
Leon Festinger (1919–1989) was an American social psychologist known for his pioneering research on cognitive dissonance and social comparison theory. His work profoundly shaped modern psychology, emphasizing the role of cognitive processes in social behavior.
Known for: A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance
Books by Leon Festinger
A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance
Leon Festinger's groundbreaking work 'A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance' (1957) introduced the concept that individuals experience psychological discomfort when holding conflicting cognitions, leading them to change attitudes or beliefs to restore internal consistency. This theory became a cornerstone of social psychology, influencing research on decision-making, attitude change, and human motivation.
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Theoretical Foundations: Cognitive Consistency and the Genesis of Dissonance
The central assumption of my theory begins with a simple observation: people desire consistency among their cognitions—ideas, beliefs, and knowledge about themselves and their environment. When these cognitions are congruent, we experience equilibrium. But when they clash, dissonance emerges. This s...
From A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance
Magnitude of Dissonance: When Conflict Burns Brightest
Not all contradictions create the same disturbance. The magnitude of dissonance depends on two critical dimensions: the importance of cognitions involved and the proportion of dissonant to consonant elements. The more central a belief is to one’s identity, the greater the discomfort when it comes un...
From A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance
About Leon Festinger
Leon Festinger (1919–1989) was an American social psychologist known for his pioneering research on cognitive dissonance and social comparison theory. His work profoundly shaped modern psychology, emphasizing the role of cognitive processes in social behavior.
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Leon Festinger (1919–1989) was an American social psychologist known for his pioneering research on cognitive dissonance and social comparison theory. His work profoundly shaped modern psychology, emphasizing the role of cognitive processes in social behavior.
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