How is "cognitive dissonance" best defined?

Cognitive dissonance is best defined as psychological discomfort that arises when an individual holds two or more contradictory beliefs, values, or attitudes simultaneously. This discomfort often prompts individuals to seek resolution by changing one of the beliefs, adjusting their attitudes, or rationalizing inconsistencies to alleviate the mental tension. The core idea behind cognitive dissonance theory, developed by Leon Festinger, is that individuals are motivated to maintain consistency in their thoughts and behaviors. When inconsistencies occur, they create an uncomfortable psychological state, leading individuals to take action to restore harmony.

The other definitions do not accurately capture the essence of cognitive dissonance. For instance, defining it as a pleasant mental state overlooks the fundamental emotional experience associated with dissonance. Similarly, while resolving conflicting beliefs is often a result of experiencing cognitive dissonance, it does not define the discomfort itself. Lastly, linking cognitive dissonance to strong personality traits is not relevant, as the phenomenon pertains more to the psychological processes we undergo in the face of conflicting information rather than a measure of personality strength.