balance theory

Balance Theory, developed by psychologist Fritz Heider, suggests that people strive for harmony in their relationships and beliefs. It posits that individuals seek to maintain consistency among their thoughts, feelings, and connections to others. For instance, if you like a friend who dislikes another person, it creates an imbalance. To resolve this, you might change your feelings about one of them or alter your relationship dynamics. The theory emphasizes that maintaining balanced perceptions is crucial for psychological comfort and social interactions, influencing how we make decisions and form relationships.