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Cognitive Dissonance Theory

Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโ€ขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025

Definition

This is a psychological theory proposed by Leon Festinger that suggests we have an inner drive to hold all our attitudes and beliefs in harmony and avoid disharmony (or dissonance). When there is an inconsistency between attitudes or behaviors (dissonance), something must change to eliminate the dissonance.

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