What Is Cognitive Dissonance?
cognitive dissonance
Verywell / Hugo Lin
The term cognitive dissonance is used to describe the mental discomfort that results from holding two conflicting beliefs, values, or attitudes. People tend to seek consistency in their attitudes and perceptions, so this conflict causes feelings of unease or discomfort.
Cognitive Dissonance Definition
The American Psychological Association defines cognitive dissonance as "an unpleasant psychological state resulting from inconsistency between two or more elements in a cognitive system."1
The inconsistency between what people believe and how they behave motivates them to engage in actions that will help minimize feelings of discomfort. People attempt to relieve this tension in different ways, such as by rejecting, explaining away, or avoiding new information
