Welcome back to the NJ4S Union Hub series, where we confront complexity, challenge assumptions, and hold space for critical conversations. In this thought-provoking session, “Cognitive Dissonance: The Uncomfortable Truth,” Bintou Akeisha Ndoye, MPH, unpacks how internal conflict and discomfort can be powerful indicators of growth—and how facing them can move us closer to personal and collective healing.

This session explores how cognitive dissonance—when our beliefs, values, and behaviors don’t align—shows up in everyday life, especially when it comes to equity, identity, and social change. Through real-life examples and practical insight, Bintou invites us to lean into the discomfort and ask: what is this tension trying to teach us?

What You’ll Learn:

  • What is Cognitive Dissonance? A breakdown of the psychological concept and how it affects decision-making and behavior
  • The Role of Discomfort: Why unease isn’t something to avoid—but a signal to pay attention
  • Truth and Identity: How dissonance shows up when our values collide with systems, traditions, or norms
  • Growth through Tension: Strategies to sit with, examine, and move through internal conflict in healthy ways
  • Applying This Work: How to recognize cognitive dissonance in yourself, your community, and your organization—and what to do next


This conversation is especially valuable for youth, educators, caregivers, and anyone interested in social-emotional growth, equity, and the deeper work of personal development.


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Want to learn more or get in touch? Email us at: nj4sunion@preventionlinks.org