Reactance is an unpleasant motivational reaction to offers, persons, rules, regulations, and messages perceived to threaten or eliminate specific behavioral freedoms. It arises when individuals feel that their choices are being limited or pressured, leading them to resist compliance and even strengthen contrary views. This emotional state can motivate them to regain their threatened freedoms, often resulting in an increase in noncompliance and resistance to persuasion.
For example, when teenagers are told they cannot attend a party, they may feel reactance and choose to go anyway, solidifying their defiance against perceived parental control.
To overcome reactance, it is effective to offer choices and autonomy, fostering an environment where individuals feel they have control over their decisions rather than feeling pressured or coerced.