Persistence of Belief

Persistence of belief refers to the tendency to hold onto a belief even when presented with evidence that challenges or contradicts it. This psychological phenomenon occurs because existing beliefs are often deeply rooted, shaped by personal experiences, emotions, or social influences. When faced with conflicting information, individuals may interpret it in a way that reinforces their original belief or dismiss the new evidence altogether. As a result, beliefs can remain stable over time, making it difficult to change opinions despite new or contradictory information. This reflects how our minds often favor familiar ideas for psychological comfort and consistency.