When Prophecy Fails
by Leon Festinger, Henry Riecken, Stanley Schachter
When Prophecy Fails is a classic study by Leon Festinger, Henry Riecken, and Stanley Schachter examining a doomsday cult's response to failed prophecy. It introduces cognitive dissonance theory, detailing how believers rationalize disappointment and strengthen convictions. Through immersive observation, the authors reveal profound insights into the psychology of belief and group dynamics in the face of disconfirmation.
About This Book
When Prophecy Fails documents a pioneering investigation into the psychological dynamics of belief and disconfirmation. Conducted by psychologists Leon Festinger, Henry Riecken, and Stanley Schachter, the study observes a small religious group awaiting an apocalyptic event.
The authors immerse themselves in the group's activities, analyzing how members interpret and respond to the failure of their predicted cataclysm. This work introduces the theory of cognitive dissonance, explaining the mental discomfort arising from conflicting beliefs and behaviors.
Through detailed field observations, the book illustrates mechanisms like rationalization and social reinforcement that help adherents maintain faith despite contradictory evidence. It offers enduring insights into human motivation and group psychology.
The findings have influenced numerous fields, highlighting the resilience of belief systems in the face of empirical disproof. This seminal text remains a cornerstone in understanding social influence and perceptual biases.
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