What term refers to the mental discomfort experienced from contradictory beliefs or values?

The term that refers to the mental discomfort experienced from contradictory beliefs or values is cognitive dissonance. This concept, introduced by psychologist Leon Festinger, highlights how individuals often feel psychological tension when they hold conflicting thoughts or beliefs. For instance, if a person values health but also smokes, they may experience discomfort due to this inconsistency.

Cognitive dissonance leads individuals to seek resolution, which can manifest in various ways—such as changing beliefs, justifying behaviors, or even ignoring the inconsistency. This psychological phenomenon plays a significant role in decision-making processes and attitude changes, making it a key concept in understanding human behavior.

In contrast, emotional stability refers to a consistent mood and emotional balance, social anxiety pertains to the fear of social interactions, and behavioral conformity involves aligning one's actions with group norms. These concepts do not capture the essence of the mental conflict that arises from holding contradictory beliefs, making cognitive dissonance the correct term in this context.