Dissonance and Motivation

Dissonance refers to the mental discomfort experienced when someone holds conflicting beliefs, values, or attitudes, or when their actions clash with their beliefs. Motivation is the internal drive that prompts a person to act toward achieving goals or satisfying needs. When dissonance occurs, motivation often increases to reduce the discomfort—people may change their beliefs, justify their actions, or seek information that aligns with their views. Essentially, motivation helps resolve dissonance by encouraging behaviors or thought adjustments to restore mental harmony and consistency.