The difference between emotional dissonance and cognitive dissonance is that emotional dissonance is a conflict between the emotions that one feels internally and the emotions that are outwardly expressed or are expected to be displayed.
And cognitive dissonance is a conflict between your actions and beliefs.
Cognitive dissonance in a narcissistic relationship is the mental discomfort which arises when someone is simultaneously aware of a narcissist's negative behaviors towards them, yet they still hold onto positive beliefs of the narcissist.
The person then often justifies their actions and creates internal conflict within themselves due to the conflicting perceptions.
An example of cognitive dissonance in a relationship is when a person deeply loves their partner although they consistently overlook or excuses their partner's harmful behavior.
This creates a conflict between their positive feelings and their negative actions that they experience and it often leads them to justify their behavior to maintain the relationship.
Another example of cognitive dissonance is staying in an abusive relationship and believing that you deserve to be treated well while you stay with someone who is emotionally or even physically abusive.
The four types of cognitive dissonance are belief disconfirmation, induced compliance, post decisional and effort justification.
Post decisional dissonance is when a person experiences an uncomfortable feeling after they make a difficult decision, especially between two equally attractive options.
Effort justification is when a person puts a lot of effort into something that does not turn out as expected.
To justify the effort the person may convince themselves that the outcome was worth it.
Induced compliance is when someone is forced to act in a way that conflicts with their beliefs.
And belief disconfirmation is when new information contradicts and existing belief such as if you believe in a diet and then read a study which disproves it.
An example of cognitive dissonance is that you want to be healthy but you don't eat a nutritious diet or exercise regularly.
As a result of this you feel guilty or you realize that smoking is bad for your health but you smoke anyway.
Cognitive dissonance is the psychological state of discomfort which occurs when someone holds conflicting values, beliefs or attitudes.
Cognitive dissonance can cause someone to feel conflicted or uneasy and can lead to the person trying to justify or change their actions or beliefs.
Signs of cognitive dissonance include.
Trying to rationalize or justify a decision or action that they've taken.
Being aware of conflicting views or desires without knowing what to do with them.
Feeling confused or conflicted about a topic.
And feeling uncomfortable before doing something or making a decision.
To reduce comfort from cognitive dissonance some people may change their behavior, justify or ignore the conflicting information and adopt new beliefs or attitudes or behaviors.
Cognitive dissonance can cause a feeling of discomfort which can motivate people to try and feel better.
People with cognitive dissonance may do this through defense mechanisms like avoidance.