How would a cognitive dissonance theorist counter the Freudian argument that catharsis—blowing off steam to relieve the buildup of destructive aggressive impulses—will reduce aggression?
Use an example of yelling or using sarcasm to vent our anger at someone who has angered us.
What will be an ideal response?
Answer: Dissonance theorists would argue that because people often engage in "overkill" when they are angered, a vicious spiral of aggression, self-justification, and more destructive aggression is likely to result. For example, when we verbally vent our anger or use sarcasm as a weapon against someone, it can be hurtful to them, and is at odds with our self-concepts as kind and reasonable people. Because we cannot undo this behavior, we will seek to preserve our self-esteem internally by convincing ourselves that the target of our anger must have deserved it. Once we use derogation to justify our verbal aggression, it becomes easier and easier to justify more destructive aggressive acts against them.
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