Cognitive Consistency

Cognitive consistency refers to the mental state we experience when our beliefs, attitudes, or thoughts are aligned and agreeable. When there's harmony among these, we feel comfortable and confident. Conversely, if we encounter conflicting beliefs or experiences—like believing in being honest but telling a lie—we experience discomfort or psychological tension, known as cognitive dissonance. To reduce this discomfort, we might change our beliefs or justify our actions. Overall, cognitive consistency helps us maintain a sense of order and predictability in our thinking, promoting psychological well-being and coherent decision-making.