Despite knowing the harmful effects of vaping, a student smokes several e-cigarettes a day. As the student is about to smoke a cigarette, they hesitate but smokes it, thinking, "Uncle John is 84 years old and a chain smoker; he is in good health, so smoking won't kill me either." The student has reduced mental tension using ___________.
A)behavioural dissonance
B)cognitive manipulation
C)behavioural manipulation
D)cognitive dissonance

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The student is experiencing cognitive dissonance, which occurs when someone holds contradictory beliefs or attitudes, especially relating to behavioral decisions and attitude change. In this case, the student knows the harmful effects of vaping but justifies their action by comparing themselves to Uncle John, thus reducing the mental tension caused by their conflicting beliefs and actions.

Despite Knowing the Harmful Effects of Vaping, a Student Smokes