Reactance: don’t open this link!

Did the title capture your attention? Did the phrase “don’t open this link” make you want to open it even more? If yes then let me tell you what this particular phenomenon is called!

Reactance phenomenon refers to an unpleasant reaction when a person’s freedom of behavior is threatened. Let’s say someone asks you not to enter a room but then you disobey them and enter the room. It occurs when the feeling of freedom is threatened, preventing you from acting as you wish. The person saying “do not enter” made you want to enter even more to protect your freedom of choice.

The intensity of reactance depends on the intensity of the threat you feel. “Reactance” is caused by internal factors as well as external factors. Setting a time to study or complete a task but then not ending up doing so just because you didn’t want to is one such example of internal cause. You might have met people who don’t like doing things they are asked to and only end up doing it if no one has asked them to. They also end up doing the opposite of what they are asked. Them not performing the task or doing the complete opposite is because of this phenomenon. They feel threatened regarding their freedom and refuse to do it.

Chewing gum during class, using phones when it’s not allowed, not wanting to do what someone has asked you to or even not wanting to do something you yourself had planned are examples of reactance. Those who are threatened often feel uncomfortable, angry, hostile and may want to disobey the other person. Teenagers might turn hostile and break rules if their parents set very strict rules. This can lead to them engaging in risky behaviours.

What you can do is to not straight up make demands on people or yourself instead offer them a choice. Talk respectfully to make sure the person doesn’t feel threatened. For yourself, changing the way you think, going from the “need to/have to” mentality to the “want to/deserve to” one can help reduce this. For teenagers instead of setting rigid rules without any explanation, offer them choices and sit down to talk with them. Don’t pressurise someone and try to appeal with the person’s beliefs and values.

It may take time to get over this phenomenon but nothing is impossible!

Photo by Kyle Glenn on Unsplash