Rationalization is irrational and self-serving, but useful

Authors: Jake Quilty-Dunn

Published: 2020-04-15

DOI: 10.1017/s0140525x19002218

Source: Full article

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Abstract

AbstractRationalization through reduction of cognitive dissonance does not have the function of representational exchange. Instead, cognitive dissonance is part of the “psychological immune system” (Gilbert 2006; Mandelbaum 2019) and functions to protect the self-concept against evidence of incompetence, immorality, and instability. The irrational forms of attitude change that protect the self-concept in dissonance reduction are useful primarily for maintaining motivation.