Which theory emphasizes discomfort when one’s beliefs and behaviors are inconsistent, leading to a change in beliefs?

The theory that emphasizes discomfort when one’s beliefs and behaviors are inconsistent is cognitive dissonance. Cognitive dissonance theory, developed by Leon Festinger, posits that individuals experience mental discomfort or tension when they hold two or more contradictory beliefs, or when their beliefs conflict with their actions. This dissonance triggers an emotional response that often encourages a change, either in beliefs or in behaviors, to restore balance and reduce discomfort.

For example, if someone believes that smoking is harmful but continues to smoke, the inconsistency between their belief and behavior creates dissonance. To alleviate this discomfort, they might either quit smoking or downplay the dangers of smoking to align their behavior with their beliefs.

The other options do not focus on the internal conflict experienced when beliefs and behaviors are inconsistent. Attribution theory concerns how individuals explain the causes of behaviors and events, social conformity deals with how individuals align their behaviors with group norms, and behavioral adjustment relates to changing behaviors in response to circumstances without necessarily involving a shift in beliefs or feelings of discomfort.