Final answer:
Cognitive Dissonance Theories assert that inconsistencies between attitudes, behaviors, or beliefs cause psychological discomfort, motivating people to achieve consistency.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theories that hold that people are motivated by a need for consistency and stability are known as Cognitive Dissonance Theories. This concept was defined by psychologist Leon Festinger in 1957 and suggests that psychological discomfort arises from holding two or more inconsistent attitudes, behaviors, or cognitions. For instance, if a person believes smoking is harmful but continues to smoke, they might experience a conflict between their belief and behavior, leading to cognitive dissonance.
This discomfort is believed not just to cause psychological unease but can also lead to physiological arousal and activate the brain's regions related to emotions and cognitive functions. This powerful motivator of human behavior drives individuals to reduce or eliminate the dissonance to restore consistency.