When someone is presented with inputs that are contrary to their worldview, or situations in which they must behave in a manner that is contrary to their worldview, they experience "cognitive dissonance." The theory was first advanced by Leon Festinger.
There are two ways to deal with this:
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Focus only on consistent cognitions. In order to abate the dissonance, the individual rationalizes. They often focus exclusively on facts, logic, or experience which reinforces their existing worldview, and the inconsistent cognitions are dismissed altogether.
- Reducing the number of inconsistent cognitions. The affected person modifies their worldview to remove the inconsistent cognitions.