What term describes the discomfort felt when beliefs contradict each other?

Cognitive dissonance is the term that refers to the psychological discomfort experienced when an individual holds two or more conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or values. This internal conflict can lead to feelings of unease or tension, prompting individuals to seek a resolution. To alleviate the dissonance, a person may change one of the conflicting beliefs, acquire new information to support one belief over the other, or minimize the importance of the conflicting belief.

This concept is significant in psychology as it helps explain how individuals strive for consistency in their thoughts and actions and how they deal with discrepancies in their belief systems. Recognizing cognitive dissonance can help in understanding various behaviors, decision-making processes, and even the rationale behind changes in personal beliefs.