Final Answer:
Frank's discomfort in continuing to smoke despite knowing its adverse health effects is an example of cognitive dissonance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cognitive dissonance, a concept developed by psychologist Leon Festinger, refers to the discomfort one feels when holding conflicting beliefs or attitudes. In Frank's case, he possesses the knowledge that smoking is detrimental to his health, yet his actions contradict this awareness.
This inconsistency creates a state of cognitive dissonance, leading to discomfort or internal tension. Frank's discomfort arises from the inconsistency between his knowledge of the harmful effects of smoking and his choice to engage in the behavior anyway.
This psychological phenomenon is often resolved through various mechanisms. One common strategy is to alter one's beliefs or attitudes to align with the behavior, thereby reducing the dissonance. In Frank's situation, this might involve downplaying the health risks of smoking or convincing himself that the pleasure derived from smoking outweighs the potential harm.
Alternatively, Frank could choose to modify his behavior by quitting smoking to eliminate the conflict between his knowledge and actions. Understanding cognitive dissonance sheds light on the complex interplay between cognition and behavior, highlighting the discomfort individuals experience when faced with conflicting beliefs or choices. It underscores the significance of aligning actions with knowledge to achieve psychological harmony and well-being.