Cognitive dissonance is a mental phenomenon that occurs when individuals hold conflicting beliefs, ideas, or values, leading to psychological stress. This inconsistency can arise when a person faces new information that contradicts their existing beliefs or when their actions conflict with their values. To mitigate this discomfort, individuals often attempt to change their beliefs or rationalize their behavior to achieve greater internal consistency.
For example, a well-known case is that of Leon Festinger himself, who studied a cult that believed in a prophecy of Earth's destruction. When the prophecy failed, instead of abandoning their beliefs, many followers rationalized that their faith had saved the world, demonstrating cognitive dissonance in action.
To overcome cognitive dissonance, individuals can engage in critical thinking and self-reflection, actively seek out information that challenges their existing beliefs, and be open to changing their views based on new evidence.