Festinger, Leon

Leon Festinger was a psychologist best known for his theory of cognitive dissonance, which explains how people strive for internal consistency. When our beliefs or behaviors contradict each other, it creates psychological discomfort, prompting us to change either our beliefs or actions to restore harmony. Festinger's work demonstrated how humans handle conflicting information and the lengths they may go to justify their choices. His research has had a lasting impact on psychology, influencing fields like social psychology, decision-making, and marketing. His insights help us understand how individuals cope with uncertainty and maintain their self-image.