Abstract

Positively biased asymmetry between positive and negative cognition is the basic assumption of heuristic human functioning. In this article, we described SOM(States of mind) model of cognitive balance and evaluated the goodness of this model with empirical data. The SOM model proposed five distinct states of mind that are conceptualized in terms of cognitive balance, that were 'positive monologue(above .69)', 'positive dialogue(.56~.68)', 'internal dialogue of conflict(.45~.55)', 'negative dialogue(..32~.44)', and 'negative monologue(below .31)'. Generally, descriptive statistical analyses of 1108 normal adult sample indicated that the model fits well with empirical data. The mean of SOM ratios of 1108 adults was .62(SD=.11) in a range of positive dialogue(.618±.06) and the mean of 45 depressive participants was .44(SD=.11) in a range of negative dialogue(.32-.44). Total agreement coefficient Kappa between theoretical and empirical cluster membership was .69. Multiple regression analyses showed that positive/negative affect, depressive symptom, dysfunctional attitude, anxious tendency but not anxiety symptom were significant predicting variables for SOM ratio and changes in positive affect was significant predicting variable for SOM ratio changes during four weeks. Implications of cognitive balance and future research directions were discussed.