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The combination of human cognition and emotion is a complex subject to understand. Sometimes, people will not even know when they can trust themselves.

Self-deception is a psychological concept that involves individuals deceiving themselves to maintain a preferred belief or avoid facing an uncomfortable truth. This phenomenon has roots in cognitive dissonance theory, where conflicting beliefs create discomfort, leading individuals to subconsciously alter their perceptions to reduce this discomfort.

The brain, in its attempt to maintain internal harmony, engages in justifying and distorting information. This process is not always a conscious effort since it often occurs at a subconscious level, making it challenging for individuals to recognize when they are in the grip of self-deception.

Avoidance of dissonance

People avoid situations or information that induce cognitive dissonance - the discomfort arising from conflicting beliefs. This avoidance mechanism serves as a protective shield, preserving the illusion created by self-deception.

Selective attention

One common sign of self-deception is selective attention, where individuals focus only on information that aligns with their pre-existing beliefs. This tunnel vision prevents them from objectively considering alternative perspectives or contradictory evidence.

Rationalization

When faced with conflicting information, individuals engaged in self-deception often rely on rationalization. This involves creating justifications or excuses to reconcile their beliefs with the contradictory evidence, allowing them to maintain their preferred point of view.

Emotional bias

Emotions play a significant role in decision-making that results in self-deception. Individuals may unintentionally allow their emotions to dictate their beliefs, even in the face of contrary evidence. This emotional bias can cloud judgment and perpetuate self-deceptive patterns.