Question

Describe Brehm's reactance theory.

Answer 1

Brehm's reactance theory

Individuals have certain 'free behaviors' that are realistic and can be done at any given time.These behaviors provide the individual with feeling of autonomyand freedom.Reactance occurs when there is a threat to suppress or eliminate these free behaviors.As a response to the threat , the individual becomes more motivated to reestablish his perceived level of control and autonomy of the behavior.This unpleasant motivational arousal is called Reactance.Reactance can be seen when someone is persuaded and they do the opposite of what was told or when somone refuses to take favours.Level of Reactance is propositional to the threat perceived and the reactance can be aggressive or over-emotional.