What Is Post Decision Dissonance

Post-decision dissonance happens after we make an irrevocable choice, such as making a large purchase. People often rate the item they chose as more desirable, and the item they didn’t choose as less desirable, in order to reduce post-decision dissonance.

Is cognitive dissonance a post-decision theory?

A major category of cognitive dissonance is known as postdecision dissonance. This refers to the distress that occurs after one makes a decision. Whenever individuals decide between a set of desirable alternatives, their decision will result in dissonance.

How does dissonance affect decision making?

The study of cognitive dissonance is one of the most widely followed fields in social psychology. The failure to resolve cognitive dissonance can lead to irrational decision-making as a person contradicts their own self in their beliefs or actions.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.

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