Motivation
Mohamed Ahmed Abd El-Hay in Understanding Psychology for Medicine and Nursing, 2019
Balance theory refers to the idea that we want to maintain psychological stability, and we form relationships that balance our likes and dislikes. Fritz Heider developed the P-O-X triangle to examine these relationships. Each corner of the triangle represents a different element: P is the person, O is the object of the analysis (some other person), while X is a physical object, idea, or conflict. In this triangular relationship, two types of relationship dynamics are taking place. First, is unit relationship, or how much the different elements of the triangle belong together. The more similarities that exist between each element, the more likely psychological balance will occur. The second type of relationship is sentiment relationship, or how we feel about something. The attitudes in the structure are designated as either positive or negative. Heider categorizes all feelings into one of two areas: liking or disliking. In most situations, if a positive unit relationship exists, a positive sentiment relationship will exist as well. Likewise, negative unit relationships and negative sentiment relationships tend to go together. The goal of assessing the structure of a triad is to ascertain whether the relationships (attitudes) between the actors and the other elements are balanced, or consistent. Heider assumed that people prefer balanced states to unbalanced ones, because an imbalance results in tension and feelings of unpleasantness.
Paradigms
Raymond Downing in Suffering and Healing in America, 2018
This brief overview is not meant to suggest that all traditional paradigms are the same, rooted in the balance theory. They are not. But it does seem apparent that many cultures through world history have sensed that health is somehow related to balance and harmony – whether within the body or within a society or in the whole universe – and disease to imbalance. The other paradigm, intrusion, is also widespread in traditional societies, especially as it includes not just the intrusion of germs and invading armies but also of evil spirits. Some healthcare paradigms have elements of both theories intertwined – or perhaps we should say, held in balance.
Sewall Wright (1889–1988)
Krishna Dronamraju in A Century of Geneticists, 2018
This was the period when Wright began to make major theoretical advances in genetics and established himself as a founder of population genetics. He worked out the consequences of various mating systems, and his studies on quantitative inheritance, along with those of R.A. Fisher, became the foundation for scientific animal breeding. Simultaneously, Wright also developed what he later called the “shifting balance theory.”
Role of ergonomics in re-designing job design in call centres
Published in International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 2021
If human interaction with the working environment is the point of concern, then many theories can be related to workers and ergonomics. One of these is balance theory, using the cognitive consistency motive to balance the psychological aspect of the worker. The reliance on the psychological aspect of this theory for determining the behaviour of the worker is limiting because it is unable to explain the interactive process between the worker and the environment [4]. Similarly, social comparison theory has its underpinnings in the accuracy of self-evaluation. This process happens by comparing oneself with others to determine the qualities of self [5]. Heterophily theory comes from the psychological context and focuses on interaction with unlike-minded people to promote innovativeness [6].
Toward Evidence-Based Interventions for Chronically Bullied Children: Candidate Mechanisms and Potential Strategies
Published in Evidence-Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 2020
Samantha J. Gregus, James T. Craig, Timothy A. Cavell
Despite research indicating victims of school bullying are reluctant to seek or accept adults’ help (e.g., Fekkes et al., 2005), as well as evidence suggesting adult-led interventions are potentially iatrogenic for chronic victims (Huitsing et al., 2019), a strong case can be made for strategies that involve adults shifting the contingencies that govern children’s social status and level of social exclusion. For example, Rambaran et al. (2015) drew from balance theory (Heider, 1958) and the principles of triadic interdependence to examine how bullying spreads via influence processes in friendship networks. Their findings suggest balanced social triads are those in which there is considerable similarity in children’s behavior and beliefs or where certain behaviors and beliefs are strongly linked with high-status individuals, much like celebrity endorsements of consumer products. Such findings can be used to inform the design of adult-led interventions designed to shift the contingencies that govern the social exclusion of chronic victims as well as the avoidance of chronic victims by in-group members.
Increased Business Value for Positive Job Attitudes during Economic Recessions: A Meta-Analysis and SEM Analysis
Published in Human Performance, 2020
James K. Harter, Frank L. Schmidt, Sangeeta Agrawal, Stephanie K. Plowman, Anthony T. Blue
The unit-level relationship between job attitudes and performance can be explained by theories of social exchange (Organ, 1977). That is, employees who are treated well by their employer and coworkers tend to reciprocate with increased performance and collaboration. Also, the attitudes of employees within an organizational unit are likely shared. Social learning theory (Bandura, 1977) postulates that attitudes are learned, in part, by observing the attitudes of others. Social comparison theory (Festinger, 1954) suggests that attitudes toward a behavior are influenced by others’ attitudes toward the same behavior. Balance theory (Heider, 1958) proposes that people seek attitudinal consistency with others around them.
Related Knowledge Centers
- Cognitive Dissonance
- Motivation
- Valence
- Psychology
- Attitude Change
- Affect
- Bonding
- Information Integration Theory