Encountering information or perspectives that contradict or question one's deeply held beliefs. This can be a catalyst for either change or deeper entrenchment.
Measurement: Tracked by monitoring exposure to diverse media sources, cross-ideological conversations, and educational interventions.
A strong link between belief and identity provides an "easy out" for dissonance. Instead of changing the belief, the person rejects the challenging information as flawed, biased, or simply wrong, thereby protecting their identity.
Interaction Time: Minutes. Measurement: Tracking the rate at which participants discredit sources of information that challenge identity-central vs. non-central beliefs.