Cognitive Dissonance — Defending Belief at All Costs episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 1, 2026 · 6 MIN

Cognitive Dissonance — Defending Belief at All Costs

from The Psychology of Superstition · host rayanderlxxx

This episode explores cognitive dissonance, the mental discomfort that occurs when beliefs are challenged by conflicting evidence. Instead of changing beliefs, the brain often reinterprets reality to reduce tension and maintain internal consistency. Factors like emotional investment, effort justification, identity, and social belonging make beliefs—especially superstitions—highly resistant to change. The episode concludes that humans prioritize coherence over truth, and that only by tolerating discomfort can beliefs become flexible and open to change.

NOW PLAYING

Cognitive Dissonance — Defending Belief at All Costs

0:00 6:31

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of The Psychology of Superstition?

This episode is 6 minutes long.

When was this The Psychology of Superstition episode published?

This episode was published on April 1, 2026.

What is this episode about?

This episode explores cognitive dissonance, the mental discomfort that occurs when beliefs are challenged by conflicting evidence. Instead of changing beliefs, the brain often reinterprets reality to reduce tension and maintain internal consistency....

Can I download this The Psychology of Superstition episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!