An Experimental Test of Cognitive Dissonance Theory in the Domain of Physical Exercise |
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| Authors: | Nikos L D Chatzisarantis Martin S Hagger John C K Wang |
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| Institution: | 1. University of Plymouth, School of Psychology , UK;2. University of Nottingham, School of Psychology , UK;3. National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University , Singapore |
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| Abstract: | The present study examined cognitive dissonance-related attitude change in the domain of exercise. Experimental participants made a decision to perform a boring exercise task (stepping on a bench/chair) under three different conditions: a free-choice condition (n = 33, Male = 17 female = 16, Age = 14.57), under a no-choice/control condition (n = 28, Male = 15, Female = 13, Age = 14.50), and under a condition that compelled participants to practice bench/chair stepping (forced-choice condition) (n = 31, Male = 15, Female = 16, Age = 14.61). Results showed that participants in the free-choice condition reported more positive attitudes than participants in the control condition and participants in the forced-choice condition. Ancillary analysis indicated that cognitive dissonance is experienced as an aversive state, and that the amount of frustration that participants experienced immediately after the free-choice paradigm predicted attitudes. |
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