Cognitive dissonance theory implies that people will experience dissonance when they act in a way that counters important self-concepts or values, and that they will be motivated to reduce this dissonance. Yet consider the large numbers of people who continue to smoke or fail to exercise; or devoutly religious people who have premarital or extramarital sex; or honest people who cheat on their taxes. How would cognitive dissonance theory explain such behaviors? Describe a situation during the past year when you or someone you know felt cognitive dissonance (ex. choosing a major, smoking, ending a relationship). How did you/they deal with dissonance?