The Advances in the History of Cognitive Dissonance Theory
Selin Metin Camgoz, Irem Metin

Abstract
This paper presents the advances in the history of cognitive dissonance theory. Cognitive dissonance has been one of the most influential and widely studied phenomena in the history of social psychology. The theory proposes that when people experience psychological discomfort (dissonance), they strive to reduce it through either changing behaviors and cognitions or adding new cognitive elements. The theory has been revised by researchers who emphasize the role of self-concept in the arousal of dissonance. In the late 1970s, the interest in cognitive research faded. However, this opened a new era of mini-theories which originate from cognitive dissonance theory. A good synthesis of mini-theories in future studies will move the dissonance theory further in explaining the conditions under which people strive towards consistency.

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