What is cognitive dissonance?

Cognitive dissonance refers to the mental discomfort that arises when an individual holds two conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or values, or when their behavior is inconsistent with their beliefs. This dissonance creates internal tension because people generally strive for consistency in their thoughts and actions. For instance, if someone values health but smokes cigarettes, they experience dissonance because their behavior clashes with their beliefs about healthy living.

When individuals experience cognitive dissonance, they are motivated to alleviate this discomfort, which can lead to various outcomes. They may change their beliefs, adjust their behaviors, or rationalize their choices to achieve a sense of harmony and resolve the conflict. This concept is pivotal in understanding how attitudes can change and the mental processes involved in decision-making.

Other options describe concepts related to social dynamics and interactions but do not accurately capture the essence of cognitive dissonance. For instance, they focus on social satisfaction or conflict resolution, which relate to interpersonal relationships rather than the cognitive processes underlying conflicting beliefs or behaviors. Understanding cognitive dissonance is crucial in both psychology and social behavior, as it explains why people might change their beliefs or justify their actions in the face of inconsistency.