Balance theory

The balance theory is one of the setting theories in social psychology. Like all setting theorists have also tries to explain why and under what circumstances people change their settings.

The theory goes from a 3- person model (A, B, C) ​​, are in the A, B and C in relation to each other and is based on the assumption that the settings of these people have a tendency to balance. Is this love triangle is not in balance, so this is manifested in discomfort and thus the tendency to restore the balance. ( This behavior describes the typical human need consistency in social psychology )

The P -O -X model of Heider

The POX model is a generalization of the 3-person model and was proposed in 1946 by Fritz Heider. In this model, the third element is any attitude object (eg a car ).

  • P - Person
  • O - other person (other)
  • X - Settings object (x - arbitrary)

All three elements are connected in a triangle above balance relations with each other. These ratios can be positive or negative. There are two types of relations:

  • Unit relation ( eg ownership, proximity, familiarity, ...)
  • Values ​​relation ( settings such as sympathy / antipathy )

The POX triangle is in balance when the product of the relations is positive. The system is always considered from the perspective of the person P.

Example

  • Unbalanced

In this example, P may indeed X and O, but the person does not like O X. Since ( ) * ( ) * ( -) = (-) is unbalanced, this triangle. Person P is therefore motivated to restore the balance. To this end it with the following solutions offer:

After the change of attitude of the P POX triangle might look like this:

  • Poised

The A-B -X model of Newcomb

The ABX - model was presented in 1953 by Newcomb. It differs from the POX model in the sense that, starting from the person A in addition the perceived relations the person B can be inserted into the model. It can be expressed not only their own attitudes towards B and X are positive or negative, but also the assumption of person A about how Person B will evaluate its relations to A and X. X may be in this case, any object ( animate or inanimate ).

Again, re-emerge balanced and unbalanced structures.

Further adjustment theories

  • General Psychology
  • Motivation
  • Social Psychology
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