Question
When making choices, there are several key features of the process of choosing. Two steps involved in choosing are: 1) reducing the full range of choices down to a limited few, though there are risks involved. 2) more careful comparison of the highlighted options. Look at the influences on choice and keep them in mind when participating in the discussion that follows.
In a situation where a child was forbidden to choose the high school that they wanted to attend to and their parents chose on their behalf, based on the reactance theory in Social psychology, how could they possibly experience reactance to that limit to freedom? Identify correctly the three consequences of reactance and apply them all to that experience. .
In a situation where a child was forbidden to choose the high school that they wanted to attend to and their parents chose on their behalf, based on the reactance theory in Social psychology, how could they possibly experience reactance to that limit to freedom? Identify correctly the three consequences of reactance and apply them all to that experience. .
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Reactance theory, introduced by psychologist Jack Brehm, posits that when individuals perceive their freedoms are being limited or threatened, they often experience a motivational reaction to restore those freedoms. This can lead to various behavioral and emotional responses. In the context of a child being forbidden to choose their preferred high school, the following three consequences of reactance can be observed:
1. **Increased Desire for the Forbidden Option**:
When the child finds out that their parents have made a choice on their behalf, they might experience a heightened desire to attend the specific high school they wanted. The restriction imposed by the parents could make that option seem more appealing simply because it is being denied to them. This is due to the belief that having choice is associated with autonomy and personal agency. The child may think, "If my parents don’t want me to go there, it must be the best option for me," leading them to want to go against their parents' wishes even more fervently.
2. **Negative Emotion and Resistance**:
The child may experience feelings of frustration, anger, or sadness as a result of the restriction on their freedom. This emotional turmoil can manifest as resistance to their parents’ decision. They might become argumentative, sulky, or rebellious, expressing their displeasure and seeking to assert their autonomy in other ways. For instance, the child could actively oppose their parents' choice by refusing to engage positively with their new school or by openly discussing their dislike for it.
3. **Behavioral Changes**:
Reactance can lead the child to take actions aimed at restoring their perceived loss of freedom. This could include seeking ways to circumvent their parents’ decision, such as applying secretly to the high school they prefer, engaging in discussions with other family members to advocate for their choice, or even attempting to gain support from peers or school officials to argue for their desired school. Alternatively, they might adopt behaviors that reflect their dissatisfaction, such as neglecting their studies or acting out in ways that clearly signal their discontent with the imposed choice.
In summary, reactance theory illustrates that when the child’s choice is overridden, they may want the forbidden option even more, experience negative emotions as a reaction to the loss of autonomy, and actively engage in behaviors to regain their lost freedom. This dynamic can not only affect their relationship with their parents but also influences their overall attitude towards education and authority.
1. **Increased Desire for the Forbidden Option**:
When the child finds out that their parents have made a choice on their behalf, they might experience a heightened desire to attend the specific high school they wanted. The restriction imposed by the parents could make that option seem more appealing simply because it is being denied to them. This is due to the belief that having choice is associated with autonomy and personal agency. The child may think, "If my parents don’t want me to go there, it must be the best option for me," leading them to want to go against their parents' wishes even more fervently.
2. **Negative Emotion and Resistance**:
The child may experience feelings of frustration, anger, or sadness as a result of the restriction on their freedom. This emotional turmoil can manifest as resistance to their parents’ decision. They might become argumentative, sulky, or rebellious, expressing their displeasure and seeking to assert their autonomy in other ways. For instance, the child could actively oppose their parents' choice by refusing to engage positively with their new school or by openly discussing their dislike for it.
3. **Behavioral Changes**:
Reactance can lead the child to take actions aimed at restoring their perceived loss of freedom. This could include seeking ways to circumvent their parents’ decision, such as applying secretly to the high school they prefer, engaging in discussions with other family members to advocate for their choice, or even attempting to gain support from peers or school officials to argue for their desired school. Alternatively, they might adopt behaviors that reflect their dissatisfaction, such as neglecting their studies or acting out in ways that clearly signal their discontent with the imposed choice.
In summary, reactance theory illustrates that when the child’s choice is overridden, they may want the forbidden option even more, experience negative emotions as a reaction to the loss of autonomy, and actively engage in behaviors to regain their lost freedom. This dynamic can not only affect their relationship with their parents but also influences their overall attitude towards education and authority.
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