Cognitive dissonance theory proposes that people have a motivational drive to reduce inconsistencies between their attitudes and behaviors. When an inconsistency, or dissonance, arises, it produces psychological discomfort that people are motivated to reduce. Dissonance can be reduced by changing one's attitude, adding new consonant beliefs, or reducing the importance of dissonant beliefs. The theory applies to decision-making and problem-solving situations where a choice must be made between incompatible beliefs or actions.