The theory of psychological reactance would advise parents who wish to keep their children from taking up the habit of smoking cigarettes that their best strategy would be to
A)threaten their children with severe punishment if they are ever caught smoking.
B)promise large rewards to their children for not smoking.
C)explain why they are opposed to smoking and then allow their children to decide for themselves whether they will smoke or not.
D)forbid their children to see,talk about,or have any contact with cigarettes or other tobacco products.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The theory of psychological reactance suggests that when individuals perceive a threat to their freedom, they may be motivated to react against it by engaging in the prohibited behavior. This means that if parents forbid their children from smoking, it may actually increase the likelihood of the children engaging in smoking as a means of asserting their independence. On the other hand, if parents explain why they are opposed to smoking and then allow their children to make their own decision, without feeling threatened or coerced, the children may be more likely to voluntarily choose not to smoke. Therefore, option C is the best choice.

The Theory of Psychological Reactance Would Advise Parents Who Wish