This theory says that people are motivated to make attitudinal changes when they experience tension after becoming aware of inconsistencies between their attitudes or between their attitudes and their be this theory says that people are motivated to make attitudinal changes when they experience tension after becoming aware of inconsistencies between their attitudes or between their attitudes and their behaviors. behaviors.

Festinger's cognitive dissonance theory. People don't really like change. We find change to be hard and difficult. Our attitudes and ideas of who we are, defines our very being. Without tension to take us out of our bubble we are happy and content to stay within it. Tension brings forth the notion that we are not in balance, that there is discontent. It enables us to reflect on our selves and our choices and gives rise to further change within ourselves. Otherwise you would be content to live in that bubble, content with the identity that you have created for yourself, reassured that all is well.