BALANCE THEORY - A SOCIAL-PSYCHOLOGICAL EXPLANATION OF THE THERAPEUTIC VALUE OF UNCONDITIONAL POSITIVE REGARD

The link between social and clinical/counseling psychology is discusse d as it relates to Newcomb's (1953) ABX balance theory and Rogers' (19 51) client-centered therapy. Specifically, Newcomb's ABX theory provid es an explanation of one social psychological mechanism underlying the therapeutic value of unconditional positive regard. A brief explanati on of Newcomb's theory is presented showing its relationship to the th erapeutic process. Implications for counseling and a short case study are included. A discussion of possible extensions of the link between balance theory and other counseling situations is presented, as well a s heuristic implications and limitations of the model.