Which psychological theory suggests that individuals often modify their beliefs to justify their actions?

The correct answer is based on cognitive dissonance theory, which posits that when individuals engage in behavior that is inconsistent with their beliefs or values, they experience discomfort or dissonance. To alleviate this psychological tension, people often modify their beliefs or attitudes to align with their actions. This theory underscores the idea that the need for internal consistency can lead individuals to rationalize or justify their actions, thus altering their perceptions or beliefs to maintain a sense of harmony.

In this context, justification of effort theory—which was selected as the answer—focuses more specifically on how individuals may place greater value on outcomes they worked hard to achieve, thus justifying the effort expended rather than directly relating to the modification of beliefs to justify actions. While it does involve a form of cognitive justification, it does not encompass the broader context of changing beliefs to resolve dissonance as effectively as cognitive dissonance theory does.

Attribution theory revolves around how people understand the causes of their own and others' behavior, while social identity theory examines how individuals derive part of their identity from groups they belong to. Neither of these theories directly addresses the process of belief modification in the context specifically presented in the question.

Ultimately, cognitive dissonance theory highlights the interplay between beliefs