cognitive dissidence

AP Psychology has to be one of the most applicable classes I have taken in high school. It seems like every other day a psychological idea comes up. One recent example was after after the regional board elections multiple loosing candidates experienced what seemed like cognitive dissidence. Many of the loosing candidates put on these abnormally large smiles and happy attitudes. One candidate who spent an abnormally large amount of money on his campaign continued to tell himself he was only a sophomore and that he will be able to win next year. He was also abnormally ecstatic about what was going on. His actions and thoughts were on different paths so he had to change his thoughts to agree with is actions. This was not the only time an encounter with psychology occurred over the past week. Even though these actions have always existed the terms behind them and learning about them really allow you to understand those around you better.