Balance Theory

Balance Theory is a social psychological concept developed by Fritz Heider that explains how individuals strive for consistency in their relationships and attitudes. According to balance theory, people are motivated to maintain harmony between their thoughts, feelings, and social connections. When relationships or beliefs become unbalanced—such as liking someone who dislikes a friend—psychological discomfort arises. This prompts individuals to adjust their attitudes or perceptions to restore balance. Sociologically, balance theory is essential for understanding social interactions, group dynamics, and attitude formation. It helps explain why people alter their views to align with those they value or distance themselves from conflicting relationships. Balance theory has broad applications in understanding social networks, interpersonal attraction, and the stability of social groups, shedding light on how social ties and attitudes are interconnected.