How to reduce violent behavior using cognitive dissonance theory?

Answer 1

The theory of cognitive dissonance is not sufficiently defined... but, may give insight into what an individuals experience is after an outburst of violent behavior. My interpretation likely exceeds it limits... A violent outburst is preceeded by an experience of vast disparity between a standard of reference held by the individual and something manifest in their reality -that flows to violent reaction well before the individual has much chance of considering anything. Consideration comes later as the behavior presences the individuals own contrasting beliefs... perhaps, a wide variety of them... and others. The process of relieving dissonance may include supporting their underlying standard of reference, attacking the contrasting standard exhibited in reality, rationalizing their behavior, appologizing for their behavior, promising never to repeat it, etc... however, while this may relieve their dissonance... the violent behavior is reset to occur again in the presence of similar stimulus. The last thing the individual wants evidenced is that they themselves have little or no control over their violent outburst. If they do distinguish the violent outburst as inappropriate and try to eliminate it - the methods that they use cannot work - because they do not understand the underlying principles - the more they try, the more they fail, the more their self esteem is diminished.... and the same behavior manifests. At some point the cycle of dissonance and relief around a behavior an individual seeks to change ends in resignation... and a declaration that the manifestation of the behavior is just "who they are". They become identified with and as the behavior. This is, of course, simply the result of ignorance of one's own function. For someone seriously interested in relieving violent behavior - there are a number of effective methods - other than pharmecuticals - the understanding of which is beyond the stage of development western psychology has achieved. www.americal.us

Answer 2

To reduce violent behavior using cognitive dissonance theory, one could emphasize the inconsistency between holding violent attitudes or beliefs and non-violent actions. By creating awareness of this inconsistency, individuals may be motivated to change their behavior to align with their non-violent beliefs. Additionally, providing opportunities for individuals to express and reinforce their non-violent beliefs through positive attitudes and actions can help reduce violent behavior.