Imagine a person named Torrence who is passionate about protecting the environment. He believes in reducing carbon footprints, supports green energy initiatives, and advocates for environmental sustainability. However, Torrence drives a fuel hungry SUV that consumes a lot of gas and produces significant emissions.
According to cognitive dissonance theory, which of the following are ways that Torrence might reduce his anxiety from having conflicting beliefs and behaviors? Choose all correct answers.
Numbing his anxiety by abusing alcohol.
Changing his behavior, for example, trading his SUV for a more fuel efficient vehicle.
Adding a new cognition (for example, thinking "I'll just drive this thing for a few years until I can get another vehicle").
Changing his cognitions through rationalization or denial (for example, telling himself that he cancels the environmental impact by recycling).