Final answer:
Cognitive dissonance is the psychological discomfort that arises from holding inconsistent attitudes, behaviors, or beliefs. It motivates individuals to reduce inconsistencies that threaten their positive self-image.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is (A) Cognitive dissonance.
Cognitive dissonance is the psychological discomfort that arises from holding two or more inconsistent attitudes, behaviors, or beliefs. In this context, cognitive dissonance motivates individuals to avoid or reduce inconsistencies in cognitive structure that threaten their positive self-image. For example, if someone believes smoking is bad for their health but continues to smoke, they may experience cognitive dissonance. To reduce this discomfort, they may either quit smoking or discount the evidence that smoking is harmful.