Isaac Scientific Publishing

Journal of Advances in Education Research

Fast Change: Immersive Self-Development Strategies for Everyday Life

Download PDF (447.6 KB) PP. 176 - 190 Pub. Date: August 1, 2018

DOI: 10.22606/jaer.2018.33006

Author(s)

  • Eric Pappas*
    James Madison University
  • Rosealie Lynch
    James Madison University
  • Jesse Pappas
    James Madison University
  • Mariah Chamberlin
    James Madison University

Abstract

Some of the greatest thinkers of our time have argued that among the most valuable human skills is the ability to change one’s self at will. In the two studies described here, we address questions about the purpose, practice, and consequences of an immersive, week-long intentional selfdevelopment project intended to produce durable and lasting positive changes in the self. The objective of the current research was to examine the immediate and longer-term effects of an original self-development intervention that uses cognitive dissonance (the tension produced by the lack of alignment between one’s values and behaviors) to motivate and sustain a series of intentional changes made in the service of becoming one’s “ideal self” across all life contexts for one full week. Our results show promising evidence that the methodology we have developed leads to students’ progress in the areas of awareness, motivation, and intentional self-development.

Keywords

Cognitive dissonance, individual sustainability, intentional self-development, cognitive behavioral change

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