Considering The Feelings Of Pat And Cognitive Dissonance

Considering the feelings of Pat and cognitive dissonance in war

When examining the emotional reactions of someone like Pat, who enlisted in the military during a period of peace with the assumption of gaining skills and educational opportunities, the sudden outbreak of war presents a significant psychological challenge. From a scholarly perspective grounded in cognitive dissonance theory, Pat’s feelings may be conflicted and complex. Cognitive dissonance occurs when an individual holds two or more contradictory beliefs or attitudes simultaneously, leading to psychological discomfort. In Pat’s case, these conflicting beliefs might include support for members of the military and a personal opposition to war, shaped by family disapproval or societal sentiments.

Initially, Pat’s enlistment was motivated by pragmatic considerations—gaining skills, furthering education, or securing future employment—without an expectation of participating in combat. The belief that the military is a pathway for personal development was reinforced by positive perceptions of service and societal benefits. However, when a war suddenly requires deployment, Pat faces an emotional conflict: supporting fellow soldiers and the cause’s integrity versus opposition to the violence and destruction associated with war. This creates an internal tension because holding both beliefs at once can appear contradictory; supporting troops seems aligned with patriotism and loyalty, whereas opposition to war questions the morality and justification of the conflict.

The phrase “I support our troops, but I oppose the war” exemplifies a potential attempt to reconcile these beliefs. According to cognitive dissonance theory, individuals often employ various strategies to reduce discomfort, such as justifying actions, shifting attitudes, or focusing on supportive aspects—like supporting the troops’ safety—while minimizing the opposition to the war itself. Nonetheless, Michelson (2013) argues that harboring both beliefs simultaneously might not be entirely consistent, as it involves accepting a paradoxical stance that can generate persistent internal tension. A person might rationalize that supporting the troops does not imply supporting the war, but this distinction may become blurred over time, especially when emotional factors intensify.

Research indicates that holding conflicting beliefs can lead to efforts to align these attitudes more closely. For example, Pat might develop a stronger support for the troops while gradually justifying the war policies or, conversely, might experience moral distress that could diminish overall morale or mental health (Festinger, 1957). The ambivalence expressed in the phrase is a reflection of attempts to maintain psychological consistency despite the inherent contradiction. As Schlenker and Lam (1980) suggest, cognitive dissonance is often resolved by modifying one of the conflicting beliefs or attitudes, but in some cases, the tension persists, impacting decision-making and emotional well-being.

Beyond military contexts, numerous everyday situations can evoke cognitive dissonance. Consider, for example, someone who advocates for environmental conservation but frequently engages in behaviors that are environmentally harmful, such as excessive use of disposable plastics or frequent airline travel. This discrepancy between values and actions can generate profound discomfort, motivating the individual to rationalize or justify their behavior or to change their attitudes to align more closely with their actions (Harmon-Jones & Mills, 2019). For instance, the person might downplay the environmental impact of their habits or emphasize existing efforts to recycle or conserve energy, attempting to reconcile the dissonance between ideals and conduct.

References

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