Link: http://www.etc-architect.com/?p=772
From ETC-Architect
Cognitive dissonance in psychology is the mental stress (discomfort) experienced by a person who simultaneously holds two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values; when performing an action that contradicts one of those beliefs, ideas, or values; or when confronted with new information that contradicts one of the beliefs, ideas, and values. As such it is something that is defined as an illness to be avoid at all costs.
The problem is however that once you reach into your creative potential you will need to get into this mental stress as you will need to honestly assess two or more contradictory beliefs. The problem with some architects is that they do not enter this stressful situation and as such only implement known patterns, however since most real world challenges do not follow the same pattern they will fail or often architecture in those companies is seen as something that just does not work. The same is also often the reason for the downhill drive of EA in the past few years.
The important thing here is however to still remember that cognitive dissonance should only be entered for a short period with a clear exit route supplied. You will find the exit route in the manuals in how psychologists are combatting cognitive dissonance. Also in some regions there are guided groups for creative people to follow their potential without getting hurt by mental illness.
So cognitive dissonance is vital, but it is also one of the most dangerous things in our profession, but as long as you are prepared you should be OK.
