Joe has never trusted doctors; however, after his heart attack, he finds himself dependent on them. Because Joe must trust doctors with his health, what will he probably do to reduce the dissonance between his feelings of mistrust for doctors and his realization that only they can help him now?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cognitive dissonance theory states that when an individual's beliefs or attitudes conflict with their behavior or experience, they experience psychological discomfort, or dissonance. In this case, Joe's mistrust of doctors conflicts with the fact that he now needs to depend on them for his health. To reduce this dissonance, he will most likely change his attitude towards doctors and acknowledge that they can provide crucial medical help. Therefore, answer D is the best choice.

Joe Has Never Trusted Doctors; However, After His Heart Attack