Questions and Answers
What does reactance theory explain?
What are free behaviours?
A set of behaviours that a person can engage in, either presently or in the future.
For behaviours to be free, they must be realistically _____
possible
In Step 1, people perceive an unfair _____ on their actions.
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What is activated in Step 2?
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What does a person do in Step 3?
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The threat of freedom can come only from direct sources.
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What factors influence the magnitude of reactance?
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What are the major kinds of consequences of reactance?
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What are behavioural manifestations?
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Means to re-establish psychological equilibrium include changing his/her _____ and behaviour.
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What is a criticism of reactance theory?
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What does the criticism regarding the dynamism of social interaction highlight?
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Study Notes
Reactance Theory
- Social psychological theory explaining human behavior when there is a perceived loss of freedom (Brehm, 1966).
Free Behaviours
- Refers to potential actions an individual can undertake at any given time.
Conditions for Free Behaviours
- Must be realistically possible to engage in.
- Individual needs relevant physical and psychological abilities.
- Awareness that they can engage in these behaviours, learned through experience or agreements.
Step 1: Perception of Unfair Restriction
- Freedom or control is threatened unjustly, leading to a reaction.
Step 2: Activation of Psychological Reactance
- An intense motivational state arises, pushing individuals to defend their freedoms.
Step 3: Action to Remove Restriction
- People exhibit resistance or opposition as a means to regain their lost freedoms.
Sources of Freedom Threat
- Direct threats from powerful institutions enforcing compliance.
- Subtle persuasion attempts affecting individual behavior.
Influencing Factors on Reactance Magnitude
- Belief in possessing specific freedom.
- Importance of that freedom to the individual.
- Perception and severity of the threat against their freedom.
- Extent of freedom that is threatened or removed.
- Potential implications of future threats.
Consequences of Reactance
- Subjective: Effects seen in personal verbal reports.
- Behavioural: Effects manifested in observable actions and intentions.
Behavioural Manifestations
- Indirect: Signs like physiological tension and changed perceptions.
- Direct: Actions taken to exercise freedom or display aggression.
Means to Re-establish Psychological Equilibrium
- Altering cognitions.
- Changing behaviors.
- Removing the perceived threat.
- Reconciling with the loss of freedom.
Criticism of Reactance Theory
- Considered scientifically vague and lacking clarity.
- Does not account for the dynamics of social interactions and how psychological tension is resolved.
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Description
Explore the principles of Reactance Theory, which explains how individuals react when they perceive a loss of freedom. This quiz delves into key concepts such as free behaviours, conditions for freedom, and the psychological state that prompts resistance. Test your understanding of this social psychological theory and its implications.
