BALANCE THEORY Meaning and
Definition
-
Balance theory is a psychological concept that explains how individuals strive to maintain consistency and balance in their attitudes and relationships. This theory suggests that people have a natural tendency to seek harmony among their beliefs, opinions, and social connections.
According to balance theory, a state of balance is achieved when there is consistency between the three elements of a relationship: the individual (the person holding attitudes or beliefs), the other (the object or target of those attitudes), and the attitude itself. This theory proposes that individuals strive to maintain an equilibrium by forming attitudes and relationships that are mutually compatible.
In the context of interpersonal relationships, balance theory suggests that people are motivated to maintain balance by either changing their attitudes, modifying their relationships, or both. If a person perceives inconsistency or dissonance between their attitudes and their relationships, they may be motivated to minimize the imbalance by altering their attitudes or distancing themselves from the conflicting relationship.
Balance theory has been applied in various fields, including social psychology and marketing research, to understand how people form and change their attitudes and behaviors. It provides insights into the forces that drive individuals to seek consistency and harmony in their social interactions, ultimately influencing their decision-making processes and actions.
Etymology of BALANCE THEORY
The etymology of the word "balance theory" can be traced back to the Old French word "balance" which means "a pair of scales". It originated from the Latin word "bilanx" which is a combination of "bi-" meaning "two" and "lanx" meaning "dish" or "scale". The concept of "balance" refers to the idea of two equal or opposite forces balancing each other, creating a state of equilibrium. Therefore, the term "balance theory" is derived from this idea and is used to describe theories that involve the equilibrium or balance between different elements or forces.
