Final answer:
Cognitive dissonance occurs when there is a discrepancy between attitudes and behaviors, causing psychological discomfort. It can be resolved by changing behavior, belief, or adding a new cognition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cognitive dissonance occurs when there is a discrepancy between attitudes and behaviors, leading to psychological discomfort. According to Leon Festinger's theory, this discomfort arises when our behaviors, attitudes, or beliefs conflict with our positive self-perceptions. For example, if you believe that smoking is bad for your health but continue to smoke, you experience cognitive dissonance.
Resolving cognitive dissonance:
- Change behavior: You can quit smoking to align your behavior with your belief.
- Change belief: You can discount the evidence that smoking is harmful to reduce dissonance.
- Add a new cognition: You can develop a new belief that smoking has specific benefits to justify your behavior.