Final answer:
Cognitive dissonance theory is grounded in the psychological need for consistency between one's beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, which, when misaligned, creates psychological discomfort.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cognitive dissonance theory is a concept in social psychology developed by Leon Festinger in 1957. It refers to the psychological discomfort a person feels when they hold two conflicting beliefs, behaviors, or attitudes. This discomfort arises because people have a fundamental need for consistency in their thoughts, feelings, and actions. When an individual's behavior contradicts their beliefs or attitudes, it threatens their positive self-image, causing dissonance. For example, if a person believes that smoking is harmful but continues to smoke, the contradiction between their belief and action causes cognitive dissonance.
The need for consistency helps individuals to maintain a coherent, positive self-perception and promotes psychological well-being. This theory has been widely researched and expanded upon, including studies into how it can cause physiological arousal and activate brain regions involved in emotions and cognitive functions.