Some research suggests that when parents are extremely strict, their children become especially tempted to engage in deviant behaviors. For example, when parents forbid their teen children from going to parties, the teens report being even more attracted to parties and even more interested in attending. These findings are most consistent with ____.
A) social dominance theory
B) error management theory
C) reactance theory
D) temporal bias theory

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The findings described in the scenario align with reactance theory, which suggests that when individuals perceive their freedom to be threatened, they experience a motivational state of reactance that can lead to behaviors that attempt to restore their sense of freedom. In this case, the strict rules imposed by parents may be perceived as a threat to the teens' sense of autonomy, which in turn may contribute to their heightened interest in deviant behaviors.

Some Research Suggests That When Parents Are Extremely Strict, Their