Psychological Tension

Definition

Psychological tension is the mental discomfort or stress experienced when an individual holds conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or values. This tension often arises from cognitive dissonance, where one's actions contradict their self-perception or beliefs, creating a state of internal conflict that motivates a change in cognition or behavior to reduce discomfort.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Psychological tension is often an uncomfortable experience that can lead individuals to seek out ways to restore harmony between conflicting thoughts.
2. The level of psychological tension experienced can vary based on the importance of the conflicting beliefs or actions to the individual's self-identity.
3. People may resolve psychological tension through attitude change, by modifying their beliefs to align more closely with their behaviors.
4. In some cases, individuals might ignore or deny conflicting information to alleviate psychological tension rather than address the underlying inconsistencies.
5. Psychological tension is not only a personal experience but can also impact group dynamics, leading to changes in group attitudes and behaviors to achieve consistency.

Review Questions

• How does psychological tension relate to the concept of cognitive dissonance?
  • Psychological tension is a direct result of cognitive dissonance. When individuals experience cognitive dissonance, they hold conflicting beliefs or engage in behavior that contradicts their self-image. This conflict creates psychological tension that compels them to either change their beliefs, adjust their behaviors, or find ways to justify their actions in order to alleviate the discomfort.
• In what ways can individuals resolve psychological tension when faced with conflicting beliefs?
  • Individuals can resolve psychological tension by altering their beliefs or attitudes to align more closely with their actions. They may also choose to change their behavior to match their values or use self-justification tactics to rationalize their actions. This process helps them regain a sense of internal consistency and reduces the discomfort associated with the conflicting beliefs.
• Evaluate the broader implications of psychological tension on social behavior and group dynamics.
  • Psychological tension can have significant effects on social behavior and group dynamics by influencing how individuals interact within groups. When group members experience dissonance about shared values or beliefs, it can lead to collective changes in attitudes as members seek harmony and consistency. This drive can foster group cohesion but may also suppress dissenting opinions as individuals conform to majority views in order to alleviate their own psychological tension.

Related terms

Cognitive Dissonance: A psychological theory that describes the mental discomfort experienced when an individual holds two or more contradictory beliefs or values, leading to a drive to resolve the inconsistency.

Attitude Change: The process by which an individual alters their beliefs, feelings, or behaviors in response to new information or experiences, often as a way to reduce psychological tension.

Self-Justification: The act of rationalizing one's behaviors or decisions to align with personal beliefs and values, thus reducing psychological tension stemming from cognitive dissonance.