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Cognitive Dissonance Series of Essays
In the November 4, 2003-edition of the PABIA-NEWS, Support Lines, I included a piece entitled, "Cognitive Dissonance." In it I explained my understanding of the term "cognitive dissonance" to describe the bothered state of disagreement, sometimes pained state of mind that occurs when new evidence contradicts a current belief or outlook.
Some people asked for a follow-up to that essay by asking, "How do we overcome the disharmony that arises in our state of mind when new evidence contradicts a current belief or outlook?" My reply was a very simple one, "We must choose between our belief and the new evidence." Yet the question haunted me. How do we overcome cognitive dissonance?
I had to fight it to continue writing about this subject. "I'm not formally trained in this." I thought, "I only have my personal experiences and the reading I've done, which has not been exhaustive..."
Then a friend told me that my experiences could help others gain a deeper insight into this matter. Her encouragement helped me to slay some of the thought soldiers that were keeping me from doing my job.
I had to write about this. I needed to share my understanding. It was begging to be written. I didn't have an outline. Nor did I have any idea where this writing journey would take me. Most professional writing instructors would insist that a writer use an outline. But if I had spent time attempting to outline this series, I'd have given up. My life was too busy to spend time organizing my thoughts in outline form. I already had written much of the content when I was working through dissonance myself.
I want to thank Denise Frankoff and Joyce Schlag for helping me build the foundation for this work in 1984. None of us realized it at the time, but the Negative Thought Stopping techniques that Joyce taught me and Denise's insistence that I journalize my life have grown into a lush garden of ability and understanding. They might not even be aware of my writing and of their influence.
I also want to thank Andrea Williams for her assistance in my life. She has been instrumental in my personal battle against the battalions of thought soldiers. Andrea is the true champion of all people with disabilities in the ongoing struggle for equality, empowerment and freedom.
I'd like to thank Malin Lowenadler-Shadel for prodding me and encouraging me to continue writing. Without her push, I might never have followed up on the first piece in this series.
I owe a debt of gratitude to many authors and publishers for the wealth of knowledge about the Theory of Cognitive Dissonance originally created by Leon Festinger in 1957. I am also indebted to many self-help authors and speakers. From my first job in sales, I learned how to overcome objections, think affirmatively and adjust my attitude.
I first learned of the Theory of Cognitive Dissonance years ago in the book Social Psychology: Individuals, Groups, Societies by John W. McDavid and Herbert Harari, Harper and Row, Copyright 1968 by John W. McDavid and Herbert Harari. Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 68-10443.
It was only recently that I consciously applied Festinger's theory to disability related issues.
I want to thank those who have given me positive feedback about this series. Your comments have encouraged me to continue writing. Thanks to Bill, at the PABIA meeting March 2, 2004, for encouraging me to put the Cognitive Dissonance essays all in one place. Your comments are the reason I've created this page and compiled this collection for easy access.
Many people have unknowingly been instrumental in my journey. I am grateful to all of the people who have helped me learn these lessons and to realize that I am the commander of my thought garden. Without their influence, whether positive or negative, I'd never have learned to recognize and overcome the causes and effects of cognitive dissonance in my life and society.
The following links lead to the sections of this series in the order that they were were originally published.
List of Essays
