Leon Festinger (Psychologist)

Leon Festinger was an American psychologist best known for his theories on cognitive dissonance. This concept refers to the mental discomfort individuals experience when they hold conflicting beliefs or when their actions do not align with their values. Festinger's research emphasized how people strive for internal consistency, often changing their beliefs or attitudes to reduce this discomfort. He also studied social comparison theory, which explains how people evaluate themselves by comparing to others. His work has significantly influenced psychology, particularly in understanding human behavior, motivation, and decision-making.