Dissonance theory helps us understand the apparently irrational behavior of cult members, such as those in the Heaven's Gate cult and at Jonestown, who committed mass suicide. All of the following, EXCEPT __________, tend to increase dissonance and hence the extreme dissonance-reducing commitment to the cult or cause and the beliefs of the leaders.
A) the sacrifice of money and possessions
B) giving up other friends and relationships outside the cult
C) the negative self-concepts of many people who join cults
D) the amount of hard work that is done on behalf of the cult

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dissonance theory suggests that actions or commitments that are costly (such as sacrificing money and possessions, giving up relationships, and hard work for the cult) increase the psychological dissonance experienced by individuals. This dissonance motivates individuals to reduce it by further committing to the cult or cause. Negative self-concepts, however, are not directly related to increasing dissonance through actions or commitments made to the cult; they might be a factor in why individuals join cults but do not inherently increase dissonance through costly actions.

Dissonance Theory Helps Us Understand the Apparently Irrational Behavior of Cult