What is the term for the discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs?

Cognitive dissonance refers to the mental discomfort or psychological stress that arises from holding two or more contradictory beliefs, values, or attitudes simultaneously. This concept suggests that when individuals confront information or experiences that conflict with their existing beliefs, it creates a state of internal conflict. To resolve this dissonance, individuals may change their beliefs, minimize the importance of the conflict, or seek out new information that aligns with their current views.

This phenomenon was first proposed by psychologist Leon Festinger in the 1950s and has since been supported by various studies indicating that cognitive dissonance deeply influences decision-making, attitude change, and personal belief systems. Other terms in the answer options, such as motivational, emotional, and behavioral dissonance, do not accurately capture the specific psychological process at play when conflicting beliefs are held, hence why they do not correctly identify this particular discomfort.