balance theory

n. A theory in social cognition in which people are noted to create and be comfortable with cognitive systems which are internally consistent according to a triangular logic. In this logic if two sides of a relationship triangle are negative, the other must be positive, and if two sides are positive, the third must also be positive. Thus if A hates B and B hates C, then A will tend to like C - the enemies of my enemies are my friends. And if X likes Y and Y likes Z, then X will also tend to like Z - the friends of my friends are also my friends. The relationship also works for person-inanimate object relationships so that if Jeff likes modern art and Mulan likes Jeff, then Mulan will tend to like modern art.

► See also COGNITIVE DISSONANCE