Dissonance Reduction

Dissonance reduction refers to the mental process we use to alleviate the discomfort we feel when our beliefs, values, or behaviors conflict with each other. For example, if you believe in healthy living but indulge in junk food, this creates dissonance. To reduce this discomfort, you might justify your behavior by saying it’s a special treat, or you could change your diet to align with your beliefs. Essentially, it’s our brain's way of restoring harmony when faced with conflicting thoughts or actions, helping us maintain a consistent understanding of ourselves and the world around us.