The opposite of cognitive dissonance is cognitive consonance.
Cognitive dissonance occurs when an individual holds two or more contradictory beliefs, values, or ideas simultaneously, leading to psychological discomfort. This often motivates the individual to change one of the beliefs or to rationalize the discrepancy to reduce the discomfort.
In contrast, cognitive consonance exists when an individual’s beliefs, values, and ideas are in harmony with one another. In this state, there is coherence and alignment within the person’s thoughts, making them feel comfortable and confident in their beliefs.
For example, if a person believes in the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and actively engages in healthy behaviors, they experience cognitive consonance. Their actions align with their beliefs, resulting in a supportive and reinforcing mental state.