On numerous occasions in the past, Destiny had strongly advocated alternative energy sources and less reliance on fossil fuels. So, her friend Sara was surprised to see Destiny drive upin a large gas-guzzling SUV. Sara asked, "So, Destiny, how do you guys like your new SUV?" Without a moment's hesitation,Destiny replied, "You know, we really needed a bigger vehicleto haul the kids and all their soccer stuff around. And I sure don't have any problems fitting all the grocery sacks in the back!" Destiny's change in attitude to match her behavior reflects which of the following concepts?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Destiny's change in attitude to match her behavior reflects cognitive dissonance, which is the discomfort or tension that arises when a person's behavior is inconsistent with their beliefs or values. To reduce this tension, people often adjust their attitudes to match their behavior. In this case, Destiny's behavior of purchasing a gas-guzzling SUV was inconsistent with her previous advocacy for alternative energy sources and less reliance on fossil fuels, which likely caused cognitive dissonance. To reduce this tension, she adjusted her attitude to justify her behavior, by emphasizing the practical benefits of the SUV rather than its negative environmental impact.

On Numerous Occasions in the Past, Destiny Had Strongly Advocated