Cognitive dissonance

Cognitive dissonance is a theory put forth by Festinger and others which derives from the view that "when our behavior does not reflect our beliefs we will experience dissonance: a conflict between our intellect and our actions" (Huber and Wien 25). We receive messages from our surroundings all the time which may challenge our assumptions, our beliefs, or our behaviors, and we may continue behaviors which counter these messages even if we believe the message as well. Young people are assaulted with media images, messages from peers, messages from teachers, and messages from parents and other adults which the behavior of these young people may go against, creating cognitive dissonance as they learn one lesson and act out another at the same time. We can see this in certain behaviors which young people know are bad for them but in which they may indulge in any case, such as drinking, smoking, having sexual relations (perhaps unprotected in an age when everyone knows better), and other high risk behavior.

Consider alcohol use among young people. In an era of concern over drug abuse, an era in which this concern is directed most often at so-called "hard" drugs such as cocaine and crack, alcohol remains the most consumed drug among adolescents and a major health problem for this population (Lewis 64). The problem is severe: Marks cites evidence showing that the use of alcohol can be seen as part of an adolescent tendency toward risk-taking behavior, including such behavi

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ut drinking. This is particularly true of alcohol use--while the use of illicit drugs such as marijuana and cocaine has steadily declined among high school students over the past decade, alcohol consumption remains widespread. Students in this survey also reported that they had little difficulty getting alcohol either by buying it themselves or by asking older friends to buy it for them. About two-thirds of the students who drink reported buying their own alcohol, some using fake identification, others buying from stores known to sell to young people, and others simply going into the store and buying it unchallenged (Novello 961 8). Morrison states that adolescence is a confusing and complex period in life, a time of questioning, exploring, and risk taking, and drug use has become an increasingly prevalent part of an adolescent's rite of passage. Morrison also believes that the youth of today are responding to the promise of the contemporary chemical culture which seems to offer quick relief and instant gratification, popularity, and an attractive peer group along with sexual prowess and financial success. These things all represent primary adolescent issues and desires and are enhanced through television and other media (M

Category: Psychology - C