Cognitive Consistency

Cognitive consistency theory encompasses a broad group of theoretical statements whose central core is that people prefer consonance among their cognitions, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. These theories seek to explain individuals' discomfort with inconsistency in their social lives. Although theories of cognitive consistency initially focused on individuals as the unit of analysis, research has recently shown that cognitive consistency is a central component of intergroup and intragroup relationships as well. This entry looks at a precursor theory and then examines the development of cognitive consistency theory and its application to both groups and intergroup processes.