Discrete Emotions of Dissonance

Abstract

This narrative review considers whether situations that evoke cognitive dissonance elicit discrete emotions. Festinger’s (1957) original theory of cognitive dissonance posited that dissonance was experienced as psychological discomfort. However, most research on dissonance theory did not measure participants’ emotional experience. More recent research has revealed that cognitive dissonance does produce discomfort and tension, leading some researchers to posit that these are the only emotional states evoked by dissonance. We broadly consider research related to cognitive dissonance and find evidence that specific situations that evoke cognitive dissonance (cognitive discrepancies) are associated with discrete negative emotions, which may include anxiety, sadness, guilt, regret, and anger. The reviewed research also suggests that dissonance processes may also involve surprise, humor, and relief. Throughout the article, we consider the implications of the reviewed research for cognitive dissonance theory and its research.