Do narcissists experience cognitive dissonance?

Narcissists are spectacularly skilled in causing cognitive dissonance. They engage in word-salad type monologues — taking you on a wild goose-chase with their words and long self-oriented tirades. You are left exhausted and depleted trying to decode what it is they are saying.

What is an example of cognitive dissonance?

Cognitive dissonance causes feelings of unease and tension, and people attempt to relieve this discomfort in different ways. Examples include “explaining things away” or rejecting new information that conflicts with their existing beliefs.

Is cognitive dissonance a trauma response?

The trauma bond is like a higher octave of the cognitive dissonance. The Cognitive Dissonance occurs when we are trying to hold 2 opposing beliefs at the same time. This happens when we come across information that contradicts our beliefs or our worldview. The brain can’t reconcile the 2 opposing thoughts.

What does cognitive dissonance do to your brain?

Additional studies have revealed that cognitive dissonance engages other brain regions, such as the insula and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). The insula, which processes emotions, often becomes more active when people are upset or angry, and the DLPFC is strongly associated with cognitive control.

What is cognitive dissonance in a narcissistic relationship?

Cognitive Dissonance is a psychological term that describes the uncomfortable tension that victims experience when in a relationship with a narcissist; it is not something that happens in healthy relationships.

What are the most disturbing examples of cognitive dissonance?

The most disturbing examples of cognitive dissonance are the obvious ones: like working in a corporate job that you absolutely despise because you’ve already poured year and years of effort and energy into something and don’t want to give it up.

How can cognitive dissonance be resolved?

According to the preeminent scholar on this psycho-social theory ( Leon Festinger , 1919 – 89), the stress of cognitive dissonance can be resolved in one of three ways: change one’s beliefs, change one’s actions, change one’s perception of an action (rationalize).

How does cognitive dissonance relate to relationships?

In essence, cognitive dissonance happens when we think or believe two ideas that contradict one another. In terms of a relationship, cognitive dissonance happens when your partner does something to hurt you in some way. It can happen on a small scale (your partner doesn’t call when he says he does) or something major (your partner hits you).