Lesson 4: Psychological reactance theory

Four Assumptions of psychological reactance theory

Belief in a freedom to choose As importance of a threatened freedom increased reactance increases As threats increase, reactance increases As implied threats occur reactance increases

Reactance as a two-step process

Freedom threat= reactance= anger + negative cognitions Very important to first measure freedom threat What are some outcomes or reactance Attitudes Behaviors Norms Message effectiveness (possible test question) is reactions a two step process? Yes, reactants and freedom threat

Choice clustering

a cluster is a related set of behaviors that are complementary, or logical alternatives, to one another (don't just recommend just one behavior list multiple and their is a better chance of one resonating)

Construct explication

reactance is a state of motivational arousal that leads to an attempt to restore a lost or threatened freedom ! Conceptualized as negative cognitions and anger!

Reactance proneness

some people are more likely to be reaction prone Examples are: Close minded Opinionated person skeptical/ misstrustful sensitive/ defensive Addventures Daring

Reactance in practice

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Psychological reactance theory

Theory proposing that people value thinking and acting freely. Therefore, situations that threaten their freedom arouse discomfort and prompt efforts to restore freedom. PRT Holds that people place a premium on their ability to act freely on alterations Reaction- when someone takes something away from you that you believe is yours