Heider’s balance theory of attitude organization
Heider’s balance theory is a psychological theory of attitude organization that was proposed by Fritz Heider in the 1950s. According to this theory, people try to maintain balance in their attitudes and relationships by aligning their attitudes with those of others. This means that when a person has a positive attitude toward someone or something, they will also have positive attitudes toward the things and people that are associated with that person or thing. Similarly, when a person has a negative attitude toward someone or something, they will also have negative attitudes toward the things and people that are associated with that person or thing.
Heider proposed that there are three types of balance:
- Triadic balance: This refers to the balance between three people or entities. For example, if person A has a positive attitude toward person B, and person B has a positive attitude toward person C, then person A will also have a positive attitude toward person C.
- Dyadic balance: This refers to the balance between two people or entities. For example, if person A has a positive attitude toward person B, and person B has a negative attitude toward person A, then there is an imbalance in the relationship.
- Cognitive balance: This refers to the balance between a person’s attitudes and their beliefs. For example, if a person believes that it is important to be honest, but they also have a positive attitude toward someone who is dishonest, there is a cognitive imbalance.
- According to Heider, people are motivated to maintain balance because it helps them to feel good about themselves and their relationships. When there is balance, people feel that their attitudes and relationships are consistent and make sense, which can lead to feelings of satisfaction and comfort.
- Heider’s theory is based on the idea that people’s attitudes are influenced by their perceptions of the attitudes of others. For example, if a person sees that someone they like and respect has a positive attitude toward a particular thing, they may be more likely to develop a positive attitude toward that thing as well.
- Heider’s theory has been influential in the field of social psychology and has inspired a number of later theories and studies on attitudes and social influence. However, it has also been criticized for its lack of empirical support and its oversimplification of the complexity of human attitudes and relationships.
- Heider’s balance theory has been applied in a number of different contexts, including political campaigns, advertising, and interpersonal relationships. It has been used to understand how people’s attitudes and behaviours are influenced by the attitudes and behaviours of others, and how people try to maintain balance in their attitudes and relationships.
Heider’s balance theory suggests that people try to maintain balance in their attitudes and relationships in order to feel comfortable and harmonious. When there is an imbalance, people may experience discomfort and may try to restore balance by changing their attitudes or relationships.