What does cognitive dissonance refer to?

Cognitive dissonance is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when an individual experiences mental discomfort or tension due to holding two or more contradictory beliefs, values, or attitudes simultaneously. When faced with conflicting ideas, a person typically feels uncomfortable and motivated to resolve this dissonance. This can lead to changing one of the conflicting beliefs, acquiring new information that aligns the beliefs better, or downplaying the importance of one of the beliefs.

The correct answer highlights the core aspect of cognitive dissonance: the challenge of reconciling opposing principles within one’s mind. When an individual recognizes that they cannot simultaneously endorse two contradictory views without experiencing cognitive dissonance, they may seek to resolve this tension in various ways, such as by changing their beliefs or attitudes to achieve internal consistency.

In summary, cognitive dissonance involves the inherent discomfort tied to conflicting cognitions, emphasizing the mental struggle that arises when trying to hold opposing principles.