Balance Theory
Reference work entry
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1428-6_2042
Balance theory is a motivational theory of attitude change proposed by Fritz Heider (1958) which conceptualizes the consistency motive as a drive toward psychological balance. Heider proposes that “sentiment” or liking relationships are balanced if the affect valence in a system multiplies out to a positive result.
References
- Heider, F. (1958). The psychology of interpersonal relations. New York: Wiley.Google Scholar
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