Abstract

This paper attempts to indicate the problems in the Heider's and Newcomb's theories of interpersonal balance, propose the alternative interpretations of those problems, and propose a new theortical model of interpersonal balance. It was proposed that the responses to the interpersonal situations had to be classified as cognitive, affective and conative or behaviroal responses. Secondly, it was indicated that positive and negative relations have different dynamic characteristics and weights in the interpersonal balance. Thirdly, it was proposed that perceiver have different perspectives on the P/O, PIX and O/X relations and, therefore, the balance effect must be different on these relations. Lastly, it was indicated that balance effect had a weak power on the response to the interpersonal situations. A new theoretical model was proposed to correct the problems of balance theory and to provide a inclusive framework.