Understanding Identity Protective Cognition: The Psychology Behind Ignoring Contrary Evidence
Have you ever encountered a situation where someone strongly believes in something despite being presented with evidence to the contrary? This phenomenon is known as identity protective cognition and is the focus of this article.
Introduction
Identity protective cognition can be defined as the tendency of individuals to selectively process information in a way that reinforces their pre-existing beliefs and values. This cognitive bias can manifest itself in various aspects of our lives, from politics to personal relationships.
The Psychology Behind Identity Protective Cognition
Research has shown that identity protective cognition is a result of people’s strong attachment to their personal values and beliefs. These values and beliefs are tied to their identity, and any evidence that threatens them is viewed as an attack on their self-esteem. As a result, people will ignore or even reject evidence that challenges their beliefs, even if it is backed up by scientific or empirical data.
The Role of Emotions
Emotions also play a key role in identity protective cognition. People tend to cherry-pick information that supports their emotions, rather than rationally assessing all the facts. For example, a person who strongly identifies with a particular political ideology may ignore facts contrary to this ideology because they perceive them as a personal attack, or as a threat to their worldview. This is known as motivated reasoning.
Implications for Society
Identity protective cognition can have far-reaching implications for society. It can lead to tribalism, social polarization, and the rejection of scientific evidence or expert opinions. When individuals are unwilling to consider other perspectives, it becomes much harder to find common ground, resolve conflicts, and make informed decisions that benefit society as a whole.
Conclusion
In conclusion, identity protective cognition is a common phenomenon that affects people’s perception of reality. By understanding the psychology behind it, we can better navigate situations where people are unwilling to consider other perspectives. It is important to stay open-minded and to critically assess all evidence, even if it challenges our beliefs. By doing so, we can create a more informed and inclusive society.
