An example of somebody displaying cognitively dissonant behaviour would be a situation where the persons views, values, beliefs etc are contradicted or opposed by
one or other persons causing them mental (psychological) stress. At this point a state of cognition is
triggered effectively causing them to refute,
reject &/or miss-perceive the contradictory views, values or beliefs.
"
smoking will most likely cause you to have cancer you know?"
"hmmm I'm not so sure I know
people who have
smoked all their lives and they're fine, plus I enjoy it anyway.." this is cognitive dissonance