The psychological concept of cognitive dissonance occurs when an individual holds two or more contradictory beliefs or values that create mental tension. This can happen when one's actions are out of alignment with their internal belief system, creating a sense of discomfort or confusion. In this essay, we will explore how soldiers may experience cognitive dissonance related to institutional expectations and personal values during combat situations.
Institutional Expectations vs. Personal Values
Soldiers often undergo extensive training before entering combat scenarios, which includes learning how to follow strict military protocols and procedures. These include rules regarding conduct, dress, language, and behavior. Soldiers must adhere to these guidelines to maintain order within the unit and ensure success in battle.
Individuals also have their own personal morals, ethics, and principles that may differ from those instilled by the institution. When these values come into conflict with the expectations of the organization, it can lead to cognitive dissonance.
Let's say a soldier witnesses a civilian family being killed in a crossfire during combat. The soldier may feel conflicted between following orders to remain silent about what happened and their moral compass telling them to report the incident to higher-ups. This creates an uncomfortable feeling of discord, as the soldier must choose between upholding military regulations or standing up for what they believe is right.
Types of Cognitive Dissonance
There are several types of cognitive dissonance that soldiers may experience during wartime. One type is pre-encounter dissonance, which occurs before a soldier enters a situation where their personal values conflict with institutional expectations.
A soldier who believes in pacifism but is expected to engage in violent combat may experience this type of dissonance.
Another type is post-encounter dissonance, which happens after a soldier has engaged in combat and realizes that their actions do not align with their beliefs. A soldier who saves lives on the battlefield but later takes part in torture or interrogation may experience this form of cognitive dissonance.
There is secondary post-encounter dissonance, which happens when a soldier sees others engaging in activities that violate their personal values and experiences feelings of guilt or shame.
The Effects of Cognitive Dissonance
Cognitive dissonance can have significant psychological effects on soldiers. It can cause anxiety, depression, and even PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Soldiers may struggle to process the contradictory messages they receive from their institutions and internal moral code, leading to mental health issues.
It can lead to difficulty forming relationships outside of the military, as civilians may not understand why they acted in certain ways while on the battlefield.
Soldiers must balance their personal values with institutional expectations during times of war. This can create cognitive dissonance, leading to emotional distress and psychological problems. Understanding how this phenomenon works helps us better support our troops during difficult situations.
How do soldiers experience cognitive dissonance between institutional expectations and personal values?
Soldiers may experience cognitive dissonance when they are required to engage in behaviors that go against their personal beliefs and moral values while serving in an institutional setting. This can be particularly challenging for those who have strong convictions about ethical conduct, human rights, and social justice issues.