Three types of cognitive dissonance (L. Festinger) are described. One arises when an ego state takes an action contrary to the beliefs of a second ego state; a second when the Adult recognizes a fact which contradicts a Parent-held opinion; and the third when an action is taken which is congruent with a belief and results in an outcome contradictory to that belief. The reduction of cognitive dissonance is considered in terms of the specific ego states and of the processes involved. Consideration is given to methods which incorporate the development of Adult solutions as well as to those which utilize rationalization and denial from Parent or Child.
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