This is part of the cognitive dissonance theory which assumes that individuals seek consistency between expectations and reality. One scene in the film that shows cognitive dissonance is when Will is talking to his best friend. Will tells him about his future: living in South Boston and never leaving. His best friend tells him that if in twenty years Will is still living in South Boston, coming to his house to watch sports and work construction, he will kill him. The second scene is where Will's psychiatrist tells Will that "it's not your fault." (Referring to the abuse he suffered as a child). The psychiatrist repeats it five more times and after the fifth time Will cries in his arms saying he is sick.