Final answer:
According to the generic cognitive model, beliefs play a major role in determining the type of psychological distress we will experience.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the generic cognitive model, our beliefs do play a major role in determining what type of psychological distress we will experience. Psychologist Leon Festinger defined cognitive dissonance as psychological discomfort arising from holding two or more inconsistent attitudes, behaviors, or cognitions. Festinger's theory of cognitive dissonance states that when we experience a conflict in our behaviors, attitudes, or beliefs that runs counter to our positive self-perceptions, we experience psychological discomfort. For example, if you believe smoking is bad for your health but you continue to smoke, you experience conflict between your belief and behavior.