Balance theory is a psychological concept that explains how individuals strive for harmony in their relationships and attitudes. Developed by Fritz Heider, it suggests that people prefer balanced states where their feelings about others and their beliefs align. For example, if a person likes Alice and Bob likes Alice, then Bob will likely develop a positive feeling towards Alice to maintain balance. When there is an imbalance, such as if Bob dislikes Alice, it creates psychological tension. To resolve this, Bob may change his feelings about Alice or Alice herself, or he might alter his relationship with Alice to restore balance.