Exploring quantum Heider balance theory

This work generalizes Heider's classical balance theory into a quantum mechanical framework. The core idea is that, just as quantum reality exists in a superposition of possibilities until observed, our real-life social relationships often exist in a subjective superposition of balanced and imbalanced triads, experiencing both stress and relief simultaneously. As classical physics limits our ability to observe these 'entangled' states, we introduced a quantum generalization involving creation and annihilation operators, as well as a new Hamiltonian. This approach reveals inherent, lifelike states within the balance theory that are simply unobservable under classical limitations. Examining the ground and stable states in quantum evolution under disorder (temperature) reveals a transition point from balanced states to a random phase. Our results reveal new dynamic behaviors that are unique to quantum social systems and offer new insights into collective decision-making, conflict resolution and the emergence of order in complex networks.

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Publication Details

Journal
Scientific Reports
Published
2026-03-14
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-43801-4
Primary Topic
Quantum Mechanics and Applications
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Exploring quantum Heider balance theory

Anahid Kiani, S. Mahdi Fazeli, G. Reza Jafari
Scientific Reports
Quantum Mechanics and Applications
article

Exploring quantum Heider balance theory

Anahid Kiani, S. Mahdi Fazeli, G. Reza Jafari
article en

Abstract

This work generalizes Heider's classical balance theory into a quantum mechanical framework. The core idea is that, just as quantum reality exists in a superposition of possibilities until observed, our real-life social relationships often exist in a subjective superposition of balanced and imbalanced triads, experiencing both stress and relief simultaneously. As classical physics limits our ability to observe these 'entangled' states, we introduced a quantum generalization involving creation and annihilation operators, as well as a new Hamiltonian. This approach reveals inherent, lifelike states within the balance theory that are simply unobservable under classical limitations. Examining the ground and stable states in quantum evolution under disorder (temperature) reveals a transition point from balanced states to a random phase. Our results reveal new dynamic behaviors that are unique to quantum social systems and offer new insights into collective decision-making, conflict resolution and the emergence of order in complex networks.

Scientific Reports
University of Qom (IR), Shahid Beheshti University (IR)
Openalex Percentile: Top 21%
Quantum Mechanics and Applications
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