Abstract:The coupling relations between ecological supporting capability ［F(x)］ and socioeconomic situation ［F(y)］ of west Jilin Province from 1986 to 2004 wer e analyzed by harmonious development model and scissor difference method. The re sults showed that in study period, the F(x) of west Jilin Province had a trend o f decreasing first and slightly increasing then, while F(y) had an overall expon ential increase. Influenced by natural and anthropogenic factors, both F(x) and F(y) had obvious vulnerability. The scissor difference α between F(x) an d F(y) declined from 493° in 1986 to 028° in 1996, and then increased to 1230° in 2004. During the period of 1995〖KG-*2〗-〖KG-*7〗2004, west Jilin Province g radually changed its traditional manner, i.e., from increasing F(y) with the rapid degradation of F(x) to the harmonious development of both F(x) an d F(y), and the coupling degree of F(x) and F(y) changed from elementary or crit ical inharmonious to barley or elementary harmonious. After 1995, the scissor difference α increased with higher velocity, and the harmonious degree C also fluctuated obviously, illustrating an intensive antagonism between F(x) and F(y). The study area was in the erupting period of various ecological problems, and at present, the high instability of elementary harmonious status still existed. Comparing wi th harmonious development model alone, its combination with scissor difference m ethod could reveal the coupling relations of F(x) and F(y) from the perspectives of development status and changing rate. This combination could reflect not onl y the equilibrium status but also the conflict intensity between F(x) and F(y), and give more comprehensive and profound analysis on the coupling relations betw een F(x) and F(y).