In the [[psychology]] of [[motivation]], '''balance theory''' is a theory of [[attitude change]], proposed by [[Fritz Heider]].<ref>Heider, Fritz (1958). ''The Psychology of Interpersonal Relations''. John Wiley & Sons.</ref> It conceptualizes the [[cognitive consistency]] motive as a drive toward psychological balance. The consistency motive is the urge to maintain one's values and beliefs over time. Heider proposed that "sentiment" or liking relationships are balanced if the [[affect (psychology)|affect]] [[valence (psychology)|valence]] in a system multiplies out to a positive result. | In the [[psychology]] of [[motivation]], '''balance theory''' is a theory of [[attitude change]], proposed by [[Fritz Heider]].<ref>Heider, Fritz (1958). ''The Psychology of Interpersonal Relations''. John Wiley & Sons.</ref> It conceptualizes the [[cognitive consistency]] motive as a drive toward psychological balance. The consistency motive is the urge to maintain one's values and beliefs over time. Heider proposed that "sentiment" or liking relationships are balanced if the [[affect (psychology)|affect]] [[valence (psychology)|valence]] in a system multiplies out to a positive result. |