The psychological reactance theory may help explain why
A)drinking on campus is heavier for underage drinkers than for legal-age drinkers.
B)a toddler,ignoring a toy,protests and demands the toy back when a playmate begins to play with it.
C)the demand for and value placed on an object is greater when the object is perceived to be rare or hard to get.
D)All of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The psychological reactance theory suggests that people tend to react defensively when they perceive their freedom or autonomy to be threatened or restricted, and may even do the opposite of what is expected of them. This may explain why underage drinkers (who are not legally allowed to drink) may engage in heavier drinking, as they feel their freedom to drink is being restricted. It may also explain why toddlers may protest and demand a toy that they were not initially interested in when a playmate begins to play with it - they feel their freedom to choose what to play with is being restricted. Additionally, the theory can also explain why objects that are perceived to be rare or hard to get may be more valued, as people perceive that their freedom to access the object is being restricted or threatened.

The Psychological Reactance Theory May Help Explain Why