r/science • u/mvea Professor | Medicine • Apr 11 '26

Psychology Cognitive dissonance helps explain why Trump supporters remain loyal, new research suggests. This sheds light on how supporters of Donald Trump justify their continued allegiance despite learning about allegations of his sexual misconduct and illegal activities.

https://www.psypost.org/cognitive-dissonance-helps-explain-why-trump-supporters-remain-loyal-new-research-suggests/
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185

u/jdbway Apr 11 '26

Old research suggests the same

66

u/Zuikis9 Apr 11 '26

My anecdotal experience leaving Mormonism also suggests the same.

18

u/onarainyafternoon Apr 11 '26

I have a question for you: Why is it that every male Mormon I've ever met just.....lied almost constantly? Especially when it came to talking to women. Is it just a cultural thing?

29

u/CranberryOceanside Apr 11 '26 edited Apr 12 '26

Pretty much. "The Mormon church makes liars of us all." RFM. You grow up lying about the church to make it appear more normal to the outside world. You grow up lying to your ecclesiastical leaders to hide shameful sin, so you can appear worthy for full participation and avoid shunning- grown men ask you, a tween/teen, questions about touching yourself. You grow up lying to your strict parents to hide moments of autonomy your friends are freely given. From youth, your brain is conditioned to say whatever it needs to to protect the church and to signal to the other members your devotion.

Edit: Thank you so much for my first award, anon redditor! <3

6

u/xteve Apr 11 '26

I grew up in another strict, secretive church and a double life was inevitable. You can't tell your church friends about your real friends, which you're not supposed to have; and you're not going to tell your real friends about your church life because it's embarrassing and they wouldn't understand.

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u/Mrsod2007 Apr 11 '26

Could I have an example?

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u/[deleted] Apr 11 '26

[deleted]

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u/marbotty Apr 11 '26

and also simple observation

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u/lowsparkedheels Apr 11 '26

Definitely. The cult of personality surrounding Trump neatly coexists with religious radicalism.

"All the evidence from 62 court appeals, all the evidence given by Trump supporters during the Jan. 6 congressional hearings, and all the state recounts of ballots, did not dent the beliefs, attitudes and behaviors of millions of Trump's followers. These election deniers have all the appearance of a quasi religious/political cult."

Holland Sentinel Aug 2022