What term describes the tendency to cling to initial beliefs despite rational arguments against them?

The term that describes the tendency to cling to initial beliefs despite rational arguments against them is belief perseverance. This concept indicates that once individuals form a belief, they often disregard or minimize information that contradicts that belief, leading to a resistance to change their views even in the face of overwhelming evidence. This psychological phenomenon can result from various cognitive biases, including confirmation bias, where individuals favor information that supports their pre-existing beliefs while being skeptical of contradictory evidence. Understanding belief perseverance is crucial in psychology, as it illuminates how entrenched beliefs can impact decision-making and behavior in various contexts, not only in personal beliefs but also in larger societal and political arenas.