Which of the following is a way to reduce cognitive dissonance?

Cognitive dissonance occurs when a person experiences conflicting thoughts, beliefs, or behaviors, leading to discomfort and an internal struggle to reconcile these discrepancies. One way to reduce this discomfort is through avoidance, denial, and change.

Avoidance involves steering clear of situations or information that might trigger dissonance. Denial consists of refusing to acknowledge conflicting beliefs or behaviors, effectively rejecting the reality of the discomfort. Change can refer to altering one’s beliefs or attitudes to align more closely with actions or newly acquired information. By employing these methods, individuals can diminish the psychological tension associated with cognitive dissonance and restore a sense of internal consistency.

In this context, while promoting self-awareness, encouragement of positive affirmations, and fostering open dialogue can also support personal growth and understanding, they do not directly address the immediate need to alleviate the internal conflict that arises from cognitive dissonance. The focus in this case is primarily on managing the psychological discomfort through more immediate defensive strategies.