Dissonance Theory Helps Us Understand the Apparently Irrational Behavior of Cult

question 100

Multiple Choice

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

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Definitions:

Irrational Thinking

Thought processes characterized by unreasonable, flawed, or distorted perceptions of reality, often leading to negative emotional and behavioral outcomes.

Beck

Refers to Aaron Beck, a pioneering figure in cognitive therapy known for his work on depression.

Freud

Sigmund Freud, an Austrian neurologist, established psychoanalysis as a technique for addressing mental disorders through conversations between a psychoanalyst and their patient.

Bandura

Albert Bandura, a psychologist known for his work on social learning theory, emphasizing the importance of observing, modelling, and imitating the behaviors, attitudes, and emotional reactions of others.