cognition, psychology Seedling
Cognitive dissonance
Cognitive dissonance is the mental discomfort or tension we feel when we hold two or more conflicting beliefs, values, or attitudes β or when our behavior clashes with what we believe.
Example
If you believe smoking is harmful, but you still smoke β your mind experiences dissonance because your actions contradict your belief.
To reduce this discomfort, you might change your belief ("Itβs not that harmful") or justify your action ("I only smoke when Iβm stressed").
It's a powerful psychological force that drives people to rationalize, deny, or change either their beliefs or behaviors to regain internal consistency.