EFFECTS OF ANTICIPATING FUTURE INTERACTION ON PREFERENCE FOR BALANCED STATES

Previous balance studies in which Ss identify with the hypothetical person, P, have repeatedly found, contrary to F. Heider's hypothesis, that balanced situations containing a negative interpersonal bond are rated as no more pleasant than imbalanced situations. It was hypothesized that the lack of preference for these balanced, negative-bond situations stemmed from the Ss' implicitly assuming that there would be future interaction with the other person and that if such an assumption were explictly refuted, preference would be expressed for all balanced situations. 200 Ss rated each of 8 hypothetical situations involving themselves, another person, O, and an impersonal entity, X, for experienced pleasantness. 1/4 of the Ss received only task instructions. The other Ss were additionally instructed to assume (1) future contact with O concerning X, (2) future contact with O but not concerning X, or (3) no future contact with O. Ratings made within and across assumption conditions supported the hypotheses and suggested that the applicability of the balance principle may be temporally restricted. The interrelationship of involvement, self-concern, and anticipating the future was briefly discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1969 American Psychological Association.