Cognitive Dissonance Research Articles

Portrait of the Silent Generation at the pivotal moment in Ian Russell McEwan’s novel “On Chesil Beach”

The early 1960s is a critical period in British history. Loss of the country’s leading position on the global stage and the crisis of national self-awareness had led to the refusal to follow the moral and ethical principles of the “fathers” and to the beginning of total emancipation of subsequent generations. This difficult moment in British history is the subject of Ian Russell McEwan’s novel “On Chesil Beach” (2007). This paper analyses the portraits of the main characters of the novel, Edward and Florence, representatives of the Silent Generation (born in 1925–1942) at a critical moment in their personal lives and in the history of the country. During the examination of the portraits of the main characters, attention was paid to the various elements depicted, which contributed to a deep understanding of their internal contradictions, psychological state and the place of the Silent Generation in the general context of the era. The article formulates the main conclusion that the author’s accentuation of personal traits of the representatives of the Silent Generation is an artistic reflection of the passionate desire for change in society on the one hand, and unpreparedness for it on the other. The relationship between Edward and Florence’s personal drama and the collective sense of loss and uncertainty can be traced. Thus, their internal struggles, fears and indecision reflect the wider social and cultural transformations taking place in British society at the time.

Bridging the virtual and real: emotional engagement in virtual influencer endorsements

Purpose This study aims to investigate the emotional dynamics underpinning fan engagement in virtual influencer endorsements, using the Chinese virtual idol Luo Tianyi as an illustrative case. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a phenomenological approach to explore fan behavior in virtual influencer endorsements, focusing on Luo Tianyi. In-depth interviews capture fans’ authentic emotions and perceptions, while a netnographic analysis of online communities provides additional contextual insights. This combined methodology offers a comprehensive understanding of fans’ emotional engagement and purchasing behaviors. Findings The research identifies authenticity, entertainment value and esthetic appeal as critical antecedents that capture attention and cultivate emotional attachment. Intimate interactions during the stages of interest and desire amplify emotional resonance and reinforce cognitive consistency, ultimately facilitating brand recognition and purchase intention. These fans actively coconstruct the virtual influencer ecosystem – functioning simultaneously as content producers, disseminators and consumers – through feedback, content sharing and purchase behaviors. Originality/value This research contributes novel theoretical insights by unpacking the emotional mechanisms driving engagement with virtual influencers. It demonstrates how virtual influencers forge deep emotional bonds with fans and offers a strategic framework for brands to align more effectively with the emotional and value-oriented dimensions of their target audiences. This dual alignment – emotional and axiological – can enhance user engagement, sustain long-term brand-fan interactions and ultimately offer brands a competitive advantage in an increasingly saturated marketplace.

Feminist, Christian, Secular?

Abstract This article explores the trajectory of Marie Denis, a Catholic activist and feminist, highlighting the complexity of identity and commitment that goes beyond simplistic stereotypes about the relationship between religion, feminism and secularism. Her journey reveals a subtle negotiation between her Catholic faith, feminist commitment and secularism. Her journey reflects a profound questioning of the patriarchal structures of the Church, while maintaining a personal connection to her faith. She navigates between the realms of religion and feminism. The article highlights the challenges faced by Catholic feminists as they grapple with the ‘cognitive dissonance’ between their religious identity and their feminist commitment. Marie Denis’s journey invites us to rethink how we conceptualise secularism.

MITIGATING DISINFORMATION IN SOCIAL NETWORKS THROUGH NOISE

An abundance of literature has shown that the injection of noise into complex socio-economic systems can improve their resilience. This study aims to understand whether the same applies in the context of information diffusion in social networks. Specifically, we aim to understand whether the injection of noise in a social network of agents seeking to uncover a ground truth among a set of competing hypotheses can build resilience against disinformation. We implement two different stylized policies to inject noise in a social network, i.e. via random bots and via randomized recommendations, and find both to improve the population’s overall belief in the ground truth. Notably, we find noise to be as effective as debunking when disinformation is particularly strong. On the other hand, such beneficial effects may lead to a misalignment between the agents’ privately held and publicly stated beliefs, a phenomenon which is reminiscent of cognitive dissonance.

Blood diamonds? Responses of open‐source software developers to the Facebook–Cambridge Analytica scandal

AbstractResearch SummaryCorporate scandals often create moral struggles for ecosystem stakeholders who collaborate with scandal‐tainted firms on mutually beneficial projects. We examine how these stakeholders navigate their relationships with such firms. Drawing on cognitive dissonance theory, we posit that stakeholders typically withdraw from such collaborations after a scandal. However, if stakeholders continue their engagement, they tend to emphasize the importance of collaborative projects and counterintuitively increase their project contribution. Stakeholders' responses depend on their choice space for comparable projects and their social embeddedness in the focal projects. By examining the Facebook–Cambridge Analytica scandal and the contribution of open‐source software (OSS) developers to Facebook projects with a difference‐in‐differences approach, we find supporting evidence for our hypotheses. Our study contributes to the stakeholder management literature with practical implications.Managerial SummaryFirms are increasingly adopting ecosystem strategies and engaging diverse stakeholders for value creation. Managers must therefore consider how to maintain stakeholder engagement when adverse events occur. In this study, we examine the reactions of OSS developers to the Facebook–Cambridge Analytica scandal of 2018. We found that after the scandal, OSS developers with more project choices and less social embeddedness in Facebook projects were more likely to disengage from Facebook. Interestingly, however, developers who continued their engagement with Facebook projects tended to rationalize their continued involvement and surprisingly increased their commitment to those projects. This unusual effect suggests that stakeholder retention not only ameliorates the negative effects of scandals but also has positive outcomes, thus warranting the allocation of extra resources from scandal‐tainted firms.

An Analysis of Draupadi's Cognitive Dissonance in The Palace of Illusions

The character of Draupadi in Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's The Palace of Illusions will be analysed in this paper from the perspective of cognitive dissonance theory. The study shows that through internal conflicts, Draupadi's identity is formed and sculpted by her behavior in exploring contradictions in her thoughts, emotions, and actions. Drawing inspiration from Leon Festinger's theory of cognitive dissonance, this paper discusses psychological pain resulting from opposing tendencies, moral dilemmas, and social norms. The critique presents a case study of how Draupadi dealt with her dissonance: by either rationalising her action or generating pressure from the dissonance upon her. Keywords: Draupadi, The Palace of Illusions, cognitive dissonance, Leon Festinger, psychological conflict, identity

The Impact of Power Dynamics and Psychological Control on the Mental Health and Development of Individuals Raised in Cult: A Thematic analysis

Cults function by establishing coercive power dynamics that exert profound psychological control over individuals who were raised within their confines. This research utilizes Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to delve into the lived experiences of a former cult member, shedding light on the long-term effects on mental health and identity development. The findings reveal several significant themes: childhood trauma and neglect by parents, suppression of personal autonomy, emotional manipulation tactics, punitive isolation practices, financial exploitation, doctrinal indoctrination, paranoia driven by fear, and a sense of existential dissonance post-escape. These themes highlight a marked erosion of individuality, cognitive dissonance, and persistent psychological distress, which often presents as chronic anxiety, dissociative experiences, and a fractured self-concept. The study accentuates the urgent need for targeted therapeutic approaches to support the psychological recovery and societal reintegration of individuals who have left cult environments. By bringing these experiences to light, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the psychological trauma induced by cults and the intricate nature of adapting to life after such experiences.

Beyond Difficult Discussions: Six Tools for Debriefing Tender Conversations in Healthcare

Background Whilst debriefing literature offers valuable tools for healthcare education, there remains a gap in resources specifically designed for debriefing communication skills. Effective communication is fundamental to patient care, particularly during sensitive interactions. This article provides a specialised toolkit for educators to enhance communication skills debriefing. Methods Drawing from literature and the authors' extensive experience teaching communication skills through simulation, we present six interconnected tools: leveraging cognitive dissonance, recognising micro-ruptures in rapport, mapping communication to clinical reasoning, differentiating sincere from performative empathy, metaphor dissection, and emotional labour accounting. We demonstrate these concepts through a fictional case study of Dr Morton's interactions with a patient and family. Results The toolkit offers specific debriefing questions for each component that encourage reflective practice. Cognitive dissonance exploration helps clinicians recognise when competing professional values affect communication. Micro-rupture identification aids in preserving therapeutic relationships. Communication mapping enhances clinical decision-making. Understanding different forms of empathy guides appropriate engagement. Metaphor analysis reveals hidden meanings in patient-clinician dialogues. Emotional labour accounting acknowledges the personal cost of managing emotions professionally. Together, these elements create a framework that strengthens communication effectiveness whilst supporting clinician wellbeing. Conclusions Effective debriefing of communication skills requires attention to both technical and emotional dimensions of healthcare interactions. By reframing difficult discussions as "tender conversations," educators can promote an environment where communication skills are refined through thoughtful reflection rather than criticism. This toolkit provides practical strategies for educators to help learners navigate the complexities of healthcare communication, ultimately improving patient care whilst supporting clinician resilience.

Perceptions and Intentions to Prevent Diabetes Among At‐Risk Individuals: A Qualitative Study Using the Theory of Planned Behaviour

ABSTRACTAimTo explore the perceptions and factors that influence intentions to prevent diabetes among at‐risk individuals.DesignA descriptive qualitative study design was used. The Consolidated criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist guided the presentation of findings.MethodsNine focus groups, including 47 individuals at risk of diabetes from the community in Singapore, were interviewed from April 2023 to January 2024. The semi‐structured guide was developed on the basis of the theory of planned behaviour and validated by two content experts. Focus group interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using Hsieh and Shannon's content analysis.ResultsSix main categories emerged from the data analysis. Individual's perceptions of diabetes were associated with excessive sugar, and prediabetes a warning sign of impending diabetes. Participants were knowledgeable about the risk factors of diabetes but needed more actionable information. They also perceived that more awareness of diabetes is necessary. Participants' attitudes towards diabetes were individualistic, dependent on their sense of vulnerability and individual personalities. The subjective norms that influenced their behaviours were socio‐cultural in nature. The main barriers impeding diabetes prevention were their commitment and responsibilities to family and work, accessibility to healthier lifestyle practices and internal struggles with the tediousness of diabetes prevention behaviours.ConclusionTo improve intentions to engage in diabetes prevention, a diabetes prevention programme needs to be hosted on a culturally appropriate mHealth platform for groups of like‐minded individuals at risk of diabetes and their family and friends.Implications for NursesNurses possess the necessary skills and experience to develop and deliver diabetes prevention programmes, create awareness of existing government initiatives and resources, and improve chronic disease management in the clinical setting.Patient or Public ContributionMembers of the public assisted in recruitment. They also engaged in focus group discussions and provided the insights necessary for this study.

Audiological Characteristics and Associations With Psychological Inflexibility

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe psychological inflexibility for hearing difficulty for a sample of adults seeking hearing help and explore associations with demographic and audiological characteristics. Method: Archival data from 226 clinical electronic medical records at one university clinic were analyzed for this retrospective exploratory study. Audiometric test findings and results from the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire–Adult Hearing Loss (AAQ-AHL) were extracted for adult patients seen between June 1, 2022, and February 29, 2024. Results: The majority had a bilateral hearing loss (64%), 10% had a unilateral hearing loss, and 26% had bilateral pure-tone averages better than 25 dB HL. The AAQ-AHL total scores ranged from 0 to 51, and 8% had a high likelihood of distress from internal struggles related to their difficulty hearing. On individual items, up to one third of the sample expressed internal challenges. The AAQ-AHL total scores were moderately correlated with word recognition in noise, weakly correlated with better ear pure-tone average and word recognition in quiet, and were not correlated with age. Conclusions: The current study adds to the previous research describing psychosocial challenges that can be experienced by people with hearing difficulties. Our research demonstrates that psychological inflexibility for hearing loss can be experienced by individuals of all ages and hearing status. Based on the present findings, we recommend that audiologists intentionally assess for psychosocial challenges for people seeking hearing help.

Ecomyopia on the Chesapeake: social and cultural barriers to climate-induced managed retreat

Ecomyopia is the tendency to ignore important environmental information that challenges structures of power and place-based identities. Predictions of relative sea-level rise on the Eastern Shore of Maryland include catastrophic land loss over the next 50 years but have not promoted serious discussion about managed retreat. We review literature emerging from Mary Douglas’ theory of the cultural construction of environmental risk and psychological theories of cognitive dissonance and social identity to examine why many residents of the Chesapeake Bay resist relocation in the face of rising sea level. We use this theoretical synthesis to analyze 63 in-depth interviews conducted on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay to examine how social institutions and widely shared narratives of heritage and identity frame discussion of sea-level rise. Technological solutions to shoreline erosion dominate the discourse as a means of avoiding cognitive dissonance caused by relocation’s existential threat to place-based identity. As predicted by the Cultural Theory of Risk, group identities shape risk perceptions associated with rising sea level and climate change. Discourse in our case study illustrates how confirmation bias is a social process and why those who challenge the status quo are marginalized as environmental information is transformed into preferred solutions. We generalize from this case study to explain how ecomyopia can preclude managed retreat as a rational strategy in regions threatened by anthropogenic climate change and rising sea levels.

Performance of Femininity as the Potential Determinant of Lower Well-Being Among Adolescent Girls in London, UK: An Exploratory Discourse Analysis

In the UK, girls are consistently found to have lower subjective well-being and higher rates of anxiety disorders/depression compared to boys. While the reasons for these gender disparities are complex, how girls conceptualize, experience, and “perform” femininity may be one pathway which exacerbates psychological stress. To explore this hypothesis, we conducted an in-depth exploratory study to examine how norms and experiences of femininity among seven adolescent girls aged 16–17 from London, England (external factors), relate to their behaviors and psychological experiences (internal factors). To do so, we conducted two online focus groups in July 2021, and conducted discourse analysis to explore their conceptualizations of femininity and its impact on participants. We identified two key discourses relating to the concepts and experiences around femininity among these girls: “Valued by Conformity to Femininity,” or how girls are judged by others based on their presentation and performance of femininity, and “An Uncertain Perception of Self,” relating to uncertain self-identity stemming from their performance of femininity. We reveal a potential social conditioning process of “performing femininity” experienced by our participants, leading to hypervigilance, anxiety, uncertainty, and confusion. Our results suggest that the paradoxical and conflicting expectations around femininity, reinforced by others, may cause cognitive distortions and dissonance, increasing vulnerabilities to low well-being and anxious cognition patterns. Thus, we believe that there are grounds for further research on a larger scale which explores whether there is a sociological mechanism which is creating the gender gap in mental health outcomes at adolescence in the UK.

Views and attitudes of healthcare professionals on do-not-attempt-cardiopulmonary-resuscitation in low-and-lower-middle-income countries: a systematic review

BackgroundHealthcare Professionals (HCPs) are important stakeholders and gatekeepers in resuscitation decision-making. This systematic review explored the views and attitudes of HCPs on do-not-attempt-cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNAR) in low-and-lower-middle-income countries (LLMICs).MethodsPubMed, EMBASE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Cochrane library, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from 01-Jan-1990 to 24-February-2023. Empirical peer-reviewed literature exploring views and attitudes of HCPs on DNAR for adult patients (aged ≽18 years) in LLMIC were included. No restriction on empirical study designs was imposed. Two independent reviewers performed screening, data extraction and critical appraisal. Hawker’s tool and Popay’s narrative synthesis were used for critical appraisal and data synthesis respectively. Review findings were interpreted using Cognitive Dissonance theory (CDT).ResultsOf the 5132 records identified, 44 studies encompassing 7490 HCPs were included. The median Hawker score was 28 with 27% studies having low risk of bias. Three themes emerged. 1: Meaning-Making of DNAR construct. Most HCPs agreed that DNAR avoided inappropriate resuscitations, needless suffering and allowed fair allocation of resources. However, there was a lack of consensus on DNAR timing. 2: Barriers and Facilitators. Sociocultural norms, lack of legal clarity, organisational policies, societal and family views, religious and ethical beliefs, and healthcare providers’ presuppositions often hindered DNAR practice. HCPs had inconsistent religious and ethical beliefs about DNAR. 3: Tensions and complexities of contemporary practice. HCPs expressed fears, concerns, guilt and distress while recommending DNAR. HCPs differed on involving patients. The DNAR practice was arbitrary and suboptimal like informal DNAR orders, pretended and symbolic CPRs.ConclusionMost HCPs in LLMICs viewed DNAR as essential However, they faced barriers to DNAR implementation at macro-(law, sociocultural norms), meso-(organization) and micro-(HCP- and family views) levels. These barriers contributed to HCPs’ fears, concerns and distress concerning DNAR. The CDT provided the lens to link HCPs cognitions, affect and behaviour into a chain of events that explained suboptimal resuscitation practices.Trial registrationCRD42023395887.

Franchise Data Strategy: "PIVOT"ing From Cognitive Dissonance Toward Making What Is Implicit, Explicit.

Franchise Data Strategy: "PIVOT"ing From Cognitive Dissonance Toward Making What Is Implicit, Explicit.

Narratives of moral superiority in the context of war in Ukraine: Justifying pro-Russian support through social creativity and moral disengagement.

The war in Ukraine has deepened ideological divides, particularly in neighbouring countries such as Romania and Moldova. This study examines how pro-Russian supporters in these nations construct narratives to sustain moral superiority while justifying the invasion of Ukraine. Drawing on Social Identity Theory (SIT) and theoretical models of social creativity and moral disengagement, we analyse how a positive collective identity is maintained despite support for morally contentious actions. Through thematic analysis of social media content expressing pro-Russian viewpoints, we identified strategies including reframing aggressive actions as morally justifiable, making favourable group comparisons, and emphasizing ingroup virtues while dehumanizing the outgroup. These approaches facilitate rationalization, mitigate cognitive dissonance, and preserve perceptions of moral superiority. Conspiracy theories about global powers manipulating the conflict further reinforce distrust in mainstream narratives and absolve Russia of responsibility. Our findings highlight how social identity mechanisms function to protect group identity, potentially intensifying ideological divisions and bolstering support for morally problematic positions. This research also provides insights into ways of combating misinformation and developing effective counter-narratives in modern geopolitical conflicts.

Mechanisms for constructing propaganda messages in the media

The present study is a comprehensive analysis of manipulative influence technologies in modern media using the example of a coordinated campaign against Oleg Gazmanov (January 2023). The subject of the study are linguistic (emotive vocabulary, evaluative constructions), discursive (narrative strategies, framing) and network (algorithmic promotion, bot activity) mechanisms of constructing a negative media image of a public personality in the context of digital communication. The purpose of the work is to systematically identify and describe key technologies for creating and distributing propaganda content. The paper demonstrates how a combination of linguistic markers (clickbait headlines in 89% of cases) and network models (with a viralization rate of 4.3 publications per hour) transforms neutral events into large–scale media scandals. Special attention is paid to the processes of semantic distortion and artificial polarization of the audience. The content analysis of 147 publications and 3,218 user reactions (selected during the active phase of the media campaign) was carried out using quantitative (frequency calculation, percentage ratios) and qualitative methods (discourse analysis, linguistic analysis, identification of rhetorical techniques), including statistical data processing and linguistic analysis. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the application of a comprehensive analysis of media manipulation, combining linguistic (emotional-evaluative constructions, semantic distortions) and network (algorithmic distribution, bot activity) factors, unlike previous studies of media manipulation, focused either on linguistic aspects or on network dynamics separately. The mechanism of transformation of neutral events into scandals through artificial polarization of the audience is also revealed. The main conclusions: 1) modern media manipulation is a systemic process combining linguistic technologies and network algorithms: network algorithms (of social networks, search engines) identify and promote content with emotionally charged linguistic patterns; 2) effective counteraction requires comprehensive measures, including: a) automated monitoring of semantic distortions, b) regulation of social network algorithms, c) educational programs on media literacy. The results obtained open up new prospects for the development of digital hygiene technologies and the protection of the information space; 3) The social consequences of media manipulation are revealed: cognitive dissonance of the audience, value erosion, reputational damage through the mechanism of "guilt by association". The results can be used to develop information security measures, including regulatory and educational programs.

The Power of Data Journalism: The Effects of Data-Driven News Reports in Correcting Climate Change Misinformation

The alarming increase of misinformation poses a significant threat to complex issues such as climate change, especially considering the proliferation of new media, which has significantly contributed to the dissemination and reception of misinformation. The present study aimed to examine how a corrective news article featuring data visualisation influences the reduction of misconceptions and the correction of misinformation regarding climate change after readers are exposed to the stimulus. The study investigated how readers’ preexisting beliefs influence the mitigation of misconceptions when exposed to news content. This study adds to ongoing conversations about creating corrective news reports to reduce the negative impacts of misinformation surrounding climate change. A quasi-experimental study was carried out online involving 186 members of the Egyptian community. The results indicate that data journalism can reduce the cognitive dissonance that causes audiences to accept misinformation. The findings indicate that data-driven journalism utilising interactive graphs is effective in altering the public’s existing beliefs and knowledge while also demonstrating its ability to persuade and counter misinformation. The audience with low to moderate prior knowledge of climate change may demonstrate a diminished ability to thoroughly analyse and compare the information presented.

Metaphors for Metamorphosis: The Poetics of Kenosis and the Apophasis of Self in Saint John of the Cross

Spanish mystic Saint Juan (John) of the Cross (1542–1591) began writing poetry while imprisoned by his own monastic order. He developed manuals for contemplation, in part, in the form of commentaries on his principal poems. Their first-person narrators were women who underwent metamorphoses in order to pursue love: one became a dove in her despair; another became flame itself; the last disguised herself as a knight. Juan explained that all three represented the soul that is seeking God. For readers, these metaphors could engender cognitive dissonance, through which they might step outside of themselves and move closer to union with the Divine. This process of human self-emptying and self-negation mirrored the self-emptying (kenosis) of Christ in traditional Christology and the negation (apophasis) of human pretense at knowledge about God in apophatic (“negative”) mysticism.

From training to action: how entrepreneurial intentions and intrapreneurial behaviour cause cognitive dissonance under opportunity constraints

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between entrepreneurial training (ET), entrepreneurial intentions (EIs) and intrapreneurial behaviour (IB), with a focus on how cognitive dissonance rises due to opportunity constraints. By integrating cognitive dissonance theory with entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial frameworks, the research aims to provide a deeper understanding of the psychological and environmental factors that influence the effectiveness of ET.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a conceptual framework based on a literature review and theoretical analysis. It synthesises existing research on ET, cognitive dissonance and opportunity constraints to develop propositions. The study combines qualitative insights with theoretical modelling to explore the interplay between training, intentions and behaviour.FindingsThe study claims that ET enhances EIs and IB but can lead to cognitive dissonance when opportunities are limited. Entrepreneurial opportunity constraints are proposed to significantly moderate the effectiveness of training.Practical implicationsThe study suggests that ET programmes should address potential cognitive dissonance and include strategies for creating supportive environments that improve entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial outcomes. To enhance innovation, policymakers should foster supportive ecosystems and organisations should align resources with intrapreneurial goals. These insights can help optimise training effectiveness and support entrepreneurial success.Originality/valueThis study uniquely integrates cognitive dissonance theory with ET frameworks, offering novel insights into how opportunity constraints affect entrepreneurial outcomes. It provides a fresh perspective on the psychological and environmental factors influencing training effectiveness, contributing valuable theoretical and practical guidance for enhancing entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship.

Аланы в Монголии и Китае: основные письменные источники (1253–1811 гг.)

This paper is a source study review aimed at presenting the main information that details the history of the Alans’ service to the Mongols in Mongolia and China. The materials for the study were multilingual written sources covering the period from the mid-13th to the early 19th centuries. A tidy, single summarizing of information from sources on this issue, having such a wide chronological range, is the scientific novelty of the present study. The relevance of the study is determined by the absence of such a work in the existing scientific tradition. Based on the results of the review, a general conclusion was made that the Alans who served the Mongols in Mongolia and China took part in many significant foreign and domestic political events in Mongolian history that took place in the East Asia region from the mid-13th century onward, beginning with the conquest of Southern China which was complete in 1279 and ending with the internal political struggle in the Mongolian lands that followed the overthrow of the Yuan Dynasty in China in 1368. In addition, it is noted that one of the Alan leaders, Arugtai, was even able to unite the warring eastern Mongolian peoples for some time in the first quarter of the 15th century. At the same time, it is indicated that the Alans, who by the will of historical fate found themselves in Mongolia and China, could not avoid assimilation by the Mongols, having become part of this people, known as the Asuts. Nevertheless, it is argued that even after becoming part of the Mongolian people, the Alans continued to preserve such an important elements of their ethnic identity as their self-designation until the beginning of the 19th century.