Cognitive consistency, also known as "cognitive harmony" or "cognitive agreement", is a psychological concept that plays a crucial role in our thought process and behaviour. This phenomenon describes the tendency of people to favour consistent thoughts, beliefs and attitudes and to look for ways to avoid inconsistency.

In our everyday lives, we strive for cognitive consistency by harmonising our beliefs and actions. This often happens in subtle ways, for example when we adjust our opinions to reconcile them with our previous decisions. These adjustments serve to reduce inner conflict and maintain a sense of harmony in our thinking.

A well-known concept associated with cognitive consistency is Leon Festinger's theory of cognitive dissonance. This theory states that people tend to reduce inconsistencies between their beliefs and their behaviour by either changing their beliefs or adjusting their behaviour. This process is crucial for maintaining a stable self-concept.

Cognitive consistency also influences our decision-making. When we choose between different options, we tend to select the one that best fits our existing beliefs. This can lead us to selectively perceive or interpret information to support our existing beliefs.

It is important to note that cognitive consistency is not always rational. Sometimes we can hold on to our beliefs even when there is objective evidence to the contrary. This can lead to irrational decisions, but it shows how strongly the urge for cognitive consistency is anchored in our thinking.

In summary, cognitive consistency is a fundamental principle in human psychology that influences our thinking, behaviour and decision-making. It shows how much we strive to maintain a coherent and harmonious view of ourselves and our world, even if this can lead to irrational behaviour.