Abstract. Since Brehm first proposed reactance theory in 1966, many studies have explored the remarkable psychological phenomenon of reactance, which Miron and Brehm reviewed in 2006. We present an overview of research that has been done ...

Abstract. This study examines the process of reactance induced by guilt appeals. Participants (N = 240 US high school students) received messages that advocated taking school seriously. The results of a 3 (guilt appeal level: low, moderate,...

Abstract. Psychological reactance and related defensive processes have been long cited as an explanation for failure of fear appeal messages. The overwhelming majority of studies on fear and reactance have only examined the intensity of ...

Abstract. We propose that reactance to threats to individual freedom can be broadened to include threats to group identity and its associated values and norms. In two studies we primed women and men with (counter) stereotypical roles and ...

Abstract. The present research investigated whether an intervention designed to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables (FVs) would elicit reactance and explored the consequences of reactance. Eighty-four students were randomized ...

Abstract. This paper describes the construction and empirical evaluation of an instrument for measuring state reactance, the Salzburger State Reactance (SSR) Scale. The results of a confirmatory factor analysis supported a hypothesized ...

Abstract. As originally formulated, Brehm’s theory of psychological reactance posited two manifestations of reactance, (1) an increased desire to exercise the threaten freedom, and (2) an increased tendency to exercise that freedom. The ...