What does 'cognitive dissonance' refer to in psychology?

Cognitive dissonance refers to the psychological discomfort that arises when an individual holds two or more contradictory beliefs, values, or attitudes simultaneously. This tension often leads individuals to seek consistency in their thoughts and behavior, which can cause them to change one of the conflicting beliefs or reassess their actions to alleviate the dissonance.

For example, if someone believes in healthy living but frequently indulges in fast food, they might experience cognitive dissonance. To resolve this discomfort, they might either change their eating habits, justify their choices, or adjust their beliefs about what constitutes a healthy lifestyle. This concept is integral to understanding how beliefs and behaviors influence our mental health, as the resolution of cognitive dissonance can lead to changes that impact emotional well-being and decision-making processes.

The other options illustrate different concepts in psychology and mental health but do not capture the essence of cognitive dissonance. The discomfort of holding contradictory beliefs is fundamental to the experience of cognitive dissonance itself, making it the correct choice.