The Nature of Dissonance

Dissonance refers to the psychological discomfort or tension we feel when our beliefs, attitudes, or actions are contradictory or conflicting. This tension motivates us to resolve the inconsistency, often by changing our beliefs, justifying our actions, or downplaying the conflict. For example, if someone believes they're healthy but indulges in unhealthy habits, they might experience dissonance. It's a natural part of how we seek internal harmony and make sense of our behaviors and beliefs. Recognizing dissonance helps us understand why we sometimes experience inner turmoil and how we work to restore mental consistency.