Dissonance

Dissonance refers to a mental discomfort or tension that occurs when our beliefs, attitudes, or values conflict with our actions or new information. For example, if someone values being honest but then tells a lie, they may experience dissonance. To reduce this discomfort, people often adjust their beliefs, justify their actions, or seek to dismiss conflicting information, thereby restoring internal consistency. This psychological process helps explain how we manage conflicting thoughts and maintain our sense of self-integrity.