Dissonance Theory Helps Us Understand the Apparently Irrational Behavior of Cult

Dissonance theory helps us understand the apparently irrational behavior of cult members, such as those in the Heaven's Gate cult and at Jonestown who committed mass suicide. All of the following except ________ tend to increase dissonance and hence the extreme dissonance-reducing commitment to the cult or cause and the beliefs of the leaders.

A) the sacrifice of money and possessions
B) giving up other friends and relationships outside the cult
C) the negative self-concepts of many people who join cults
D) the amount of hard work that is done on behalf of the cult