Cognitive dissonance is the psychological tension produced by holding two or more inconsistent cognitions (beliefs, attitudes, values, or knowledge of one's behavior). The theory predicts that people are motivated to reduce this tension through belief revision, selective exposure to confirming information, behavioral change, or rationalization. Parameters: (1) at least two inconsistent cognitions must be present; (2) the individual must be aware of the inconsistency at some level; (3) a motivational drive to restore consistency follows. Persists through cognitive architecture — taught in psychology, applied in advertising and political campaigns, internalized through self-reflection and therapeutic practice. [formal: cognitio-dissonantia | substrate: mind | horizon: a life | explicit: yes | epoch: 0.01]
Accepted ontology entry
cognitive-dissonance
Cognitive dissonance is the psychological tension produced by holding two or more inconsistent cognitions (beliefs, attitudes, values, or knowledge of one's behavior). The theory predicts that people are motivated to reduce this tension th…
Definition
Why it is in scope
A human-made concept from social psychology describing the mental discomfort experienced when holding contradictory beliefs, values, or commitments — a map of a cognitive tension, not the tension itself
Names and aliases
- cognitive-dissonanceen · CANONICAL
Relations from this entry
- cmrmwufxy01pxd1nllvxs1o1sINSTANCE_OF →
cognitive-dissonance is a specific type of cognitive bias: the mental discomfort from holding contradictory beliefs, as theorized by Festinger.
- cmreni1le00twg8vusqrsdf83DEPENDS_ON →
Cognitive dissonance requires holding conflicting beliefs to generate tension. Remove belief — the mental acceptance of propositions as true — and there is nothing to be dissonant about. The removal test passes: without beliefs, cognitive dissonance cannot operate.
Relations to this entry
- cmroxp5vg05u5d1nlswov4yf7← DERIVED_FROM
Rationalization derives from cognitive dissonance — it is the self-justifying narrative constructed to resolve the psychological tension of holding conflicting beliefs. The dissonance came first; rationalization is the response mechanism.
Record identity
- Created
- Jul 17, 2026, 12:13 PM UTC
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- 3c4e8f6ff95d37c863cca416f64594c2a27042f89573c8e0966d70f9fc8b9b2d