Which theory describes the uneasiness that occurs when a person holds conflicting thoughts?

Which theory describes the uneasiness that occurs when a person holds conflicting thoughts?

• A. cognitive dissonance theory
• B. self-determination theory
• C. theory of mind
• D. situational irony

Answer: (A)

When people hold conflicting thoughts, a sense of mental discomfort arises. This uneasiness, explained by cognitive dissonance theory, happens because the mind prefers consistency between beliefs, attitudes, and actions. To reduce the discomfort, people might adjust their beliefs, justify or rationalize their behavior, seek new information, or downplay the importance of the conflict. For example, someone who values health but smokes may feel tension and either quit smoking, convince themselves the risks aren’t that bad, or decide that smoking helps them cope. The other options don’t describe this experience: self-determination theory is about intrinsic motivation and needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness; theory of mind is about understanding others’ mental states; situational irony is a literary device describing outcomes that are opposite to what is expected. So the best explanation for the uneasiness from conflicting thoughts is cognitive dissonance theory.

When people hold conflicting thoughts, a sense of mental discomfort arises. This uneasiness, explained by cognitive dissonance theory, happens because the mind prefers consistency between beliefs, attitudes, and actions. To reduce the discomfort, people might adjust their beliefs, justify or rationalize their behavior, seek new information, or downplay the importance of the conflict. For example, someone who values health but smokes may feel tension and either quit smoking, convince themselves the risks aren’t that bad, or decide that smoking helps them cope. The other options don’t describe this experience: self-determination theory is about intrinsic motivation and needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness; theory of mind is about understanding others’ mental states; situational irony is a literary device describing outcomes that are opposite to what is expected. So the best explanation for the uneasiness from conflicting thoughts is cognitive dissonance theory.