An example that illustrates cognitive dissonance is that you want to be healthy but you don't eat a nutritious diet or exercise regularly.
As a result of this you feel guilty or you realize that smoking is bad for your health but you smoke anyway.
Cognitive dissonance is the psychological state of discomfort which occurs when someone holds conflicting values, beliefs or attitudes.
Cognitive dissonance can cause someone to feel conflicted or uneasy and can lead to the person trying to justify or change their actions or beliefs.
Signs of cognitive dissonance include.
Trying to rationalize or justify a decision or action that they've taken.
Being aware of conflicting views or desires without knowing what to do with them.
Feeling confused or conflicted about a topic.
And feeling uncomfortable before doing something or making a decision.
To reduce comfort from cognitive dissonance some people may change their behavior, justify or ignore the conflicting information and adopt new beliefs or attitudes or behaviors.
Cognitive dissonance can cause a feeling of discomfort which can motivate people to try and feel better.
People with cognitive dissonance may do this through defense mechanisms like avoidance.