Cognitive Dissonance — Cognitive dissonance is the psychological discomfort produced when evidence conflicts with an existing belief, attachment, or decision. A scam victim may reduce this discomfort by dismissing warnings or finding explanations that preserve the fraudulent relationship. Recognizing this process helps the victim understand why contradictory evidence did not immediately end the deception. — Cognitive Psychology

Added September 27, 2026

Cognitive Dissonance — Cognitive dissonance is the psychological discomfort associated with conflicting beliefs, commitments, or actions. A person sometimes reduces that discomfort by changing behavior, revising a belief, or creating a justification. After deception, the conflict between trusting someone and recognizing their dishonesty illustrates this experience. — Cognitive Experience

Added October 3, 2026

Cognitive Dissonance — Cognitive dissonance describes psychological discomfort associated with inconsistency among beliefs, knowledge, attitudes, or behavior. A survivor experiences this discomfort when evidence of fraud conflicts with a firmly held belief in a relationship. Efforts to reduce the discomfort include revising beliefs, changing behavior, or rationalizing the inconsistency, with different consequences for accepting the facts. — Psychological Mechanism

Added October 7, 2026