Cognitive Dissonance in Immersive TTRPGs

Have you ever made a choice for your D&D character that felt like a betrayal? You know, when your Lawful Good Paladin lies, or your nature-loving Ranger fells a sacred tree? That feeling of internal conflict is a real-world psychological phenomenon called cognitive dissonance.

In this episode, we're diving deep into the psychology behind that gut-punch. We'll explore why our brains seek consistency, how to recognize dissonance in your own roleplaying, and—most importantly—how to use it as a powerful tool for character development.

This isn't about making your game less fun; it's about making it more meaningful. Whether you're a player looking to create a more complex hero or a DM crafting dilemmas that will challenge your players, this episode is a must-listen.

Join us as we explore how to turn those moments of doubt into unforgettable character arcs.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• What cognitive dissonance is and why it's so uncomfortable.
• How to spot it in your own D&D games.
• "Tricks of the Trade" for both players and DMs to embrace this psychological concept for richer storytelling.

Keywords: Dungeons and Dragons, D&D, TTRPG, Psychology, Cognitive Dissonance, Roleplaying, Character Development, Dungeon Master, DM Tips, Player Advice, D&D Tips, RPG, tabletop games.

Amazon Link to Session Zero   

Amazon Link to The Player’s Handbook for Real Life  

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Session Zero

The Player’s Handbook for Real Life

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction
• 1:07 Order Session Zero
• 1:08 Order the Player's Handbook for Real Life
• 8:59 Tricks of the Trade
• 14:01 Linktreee