Belief Perseverance: How We Cling to Beliefs Despite Contradictory Evidence

20 April 2025

Have you ever had a conversation where you're presenting solid facts, yet the other person refuses to budge on what they believe? Maybe you've even caught yourself defending a belief despite overwhelming evidence against it. That, my friend, is belief perseverance in action.

This psychological phenomenon keeps us clinging to our beliefs even when faced with undeniable proof that we might be wrong. But why does this happen? And more importantly, how can we overcome it? Let’s dive deep into belief perseverance, its causes, and how we can break free from its grip.

What Is Belief Perseverance?

Belief perseverance is our stubborn tendency to stick to our existing beliefs even when given new, conflicting information. Instead of adjusting our views, we often find ways to rationalize the contradiction or dismiss it altogether.

For example, imagine a person who strongly believes in a myth about health, like "drinking cold water causes a sore throat." If they read a scientific study proving otherwise, they might still hold onto their belief, claiming, "Well, I got sick after drinking cold water once, so I know it's true!"

This pattern shows how our brains work overtime to defend what we already believe, even if the evidence says otherwise.

The Psychology Behind Belief Perseverance

Why do we do this? Why do we cling to beliefs, even when they don’t hold up? The answer lies in how our brains process information.

1. Cognitive Dissonance

Our minds hate inconsistency. When we’re faced with evidence that contradicts our beliefs, it creates cognitive dissonance—a mental discomfort that we instinctively want to eliminate. Instead of changing our belief, which takes effort, we reject or reinterpret the evidence to maintain our internal harmony.

2. Confirmation Bias

Confirmation bias is our tendency to seek out and remember information that supports what we already believe while ignoring anything that contradicts it. Ever notice how people follow news sources that match their political views? That’s confirmation bias in action, reinforcing belief perseverance.

3. Emotional Investment

Some beliefs are deeply tied to our identity, emotions, or sense of belonging. Changing those beliefs can feel like a personal attack or even a loss of identity. This emotional connection makes it even harder to accept contrary evidence.

Types of Belief Perseverance

Belief perseverance isn’t a one-size-fits-all phenomenon. It comes in different forms, depending on the type of belief we’re stubbornly holding onto.

1. Self-Perception Perseverance

When we form beliefs about ourselves—our intelligence, abilities, or character—we tend to hold onto them stubbornly. If someone has always believed they are "bad at math," they may ignore evidence of their improvement, reinforcing their negative self-view.

2. Social Belief Perseverance

Beliefs about other people, groups, or cultures are often deeply ingrained and resistant to change. Stereotypes, for instance, persist despite exposure to individuals who contradict them.

3. Theoretical Belief Perseverance

Scientific, religious, or philosophical beliefs can be particularly resistant to change. Even when presented with compelling evidence against a theory, people may find ways to reinterpret the facts to fit their perspective.

Real-Life Examples of Belief Perseverance

1. Flat-Earth Theory

Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, some people still believe the Earth is flat. They dismiss NASA images, gravity explanations, and flight patterns, clinging to their belief through alternative theories.

2. Vaccine Misinformation

Many people hold onto misconceptions about vaccines, even when presented with extensive research proving their safety and effectiveness. Instead of considering credible sources, they often rely on anecdotal stories or misinformation.

3. Personal Relationships

Ever had a friend who refused to see red flags in a toxic relationship? They might dismiss clear warnings from loved ones or make excuses for their partner's bad behavior. This is belief perseverance at a personal level.

How Belief Perseverance Affects Our Lives

Holding onto false or outdated beliefs isn't just about being wrong—it can have real consequences.

- Hinders personal growth – If we refuse to accept new ideas, we limit our potential to learn and improve.
- Strains relationships – Stubbornly clinging to certain beliefs can lead to conflicts, especially when others try to help us see a different perspective.
- Impacts decision-making – Whether it's about health, finances, or politics, refusing to adapt beliefs can lead to poor choices.

The good news? We can overcome belief perseverance with the right mindset and strategies.

How to Overcome Belief Perseverance

Breaking free from belief perseverance isn’t easy, but it’s possible with conscious effort.

1. Stay Open-Minded

The first step is recognizing that changing your belief doesn’t mean you were foolish for holding it in the first place. Science and knowledge evolve, and so should our understanding.

2. Challenge Your Own Beliefs

Ask yourself tough questions:
- What if I'm wrong?
- What evidence would make me reconsider my stance?
- Am I dismissing information just because it contradicts my view?

3. Seek Diverse Perspectives

Surround yourself with people who challenge your beliefs rather than just reinforce them. Engage in discussions with an open heart instead of going in with the goal of defending your position.

4. Rely on Credible Sources

Not all information is created equal. Make sure you're getting your facts from reliable, well-researched sources rather than opinion-based or biased ones.

5. Accept That It’s Okay to Change Your Mind

There's nothing wrong with admitting you were wrong—in fact, it’s a sign of intelligence and growth. Some of the greatest minds in history changed their stances when faced with new evidence.

Final Thoughts

Belief perseverance is a natural but often problematic part of how our brains work. While it’s understandable to want to cling to what we've always believed, doing so blindly can limit our personal growth and objective thinking.

Next time you find yourself holding onto a belief despite strong evidence against it, take a step back and ask: Am I resisting this because it's false, or because it's uncomfortable to change? That simple question could open the door to a new, more informed perspective.