Balance theory

In the <a href="/facts/Psychology/duoqW7Sz">psychology</a> of <a href="/facts/Motivation/uqLMfLKq">motivation</a>, balance theory is a theory of <a href="/facts/Attitude_change/rPvoqSBs">attitude change</a>, proposed by <a href="/facts/Fritz_Heider/Ij3CzkEH">Fritz Heider</a>. It conceptualizes the <a href="/facts/Cognitive_consistency/j0xK7w6S">cognitive consistency</a> motive as a drive toward psychological balance. The consistency motive is the urge to maintain one's values and beliefs over time. Heider proposed that "sentiment" or liking relationships are balanced if the <a href="/facts/Affect_(psychology)/jEQ6IWSm">affect</a> <a href="/facts/Valence_(psychology)/Abghx5uQ">valence</a> in a system multiplies out to a positive result.
Research in 2020 provided <a href="/facts/Neuroscientific/o5RV8Cas">neuroscientific</a> evidence supporting Heider's balance theory. A study using neuroimaging techniques found distinct differences in brain activation when individuals were exposed to unbalanced versus balanced triads. These differences were observed in brain regions associated with processing <a href="/facts/Cognitive_dissonance/j0xK7w6S">cognitive dissonance</a>, offering biological support for Heider's original psychological explanation of balance theory in social context. 
Structural balance theory in <a href="/facts/Social_network_analysis/CsJIFjVw">social network analysis</a> is the extension proposed by <a href="/facts/Dorwin_Cartwright/yCC972M6">Dorwin Cartwright</a> and <a href="/facts/Frank_Harary/3J2P7l4w">Frank Harary</a>. It was the framework for the discussion at a <a href="/facts/Dartmouth_College/JLk2nNaN">Dartmouth College</a> symposium in September 1975.

Balance theory open-in-new

Balance theory