Motivation Science, Vol 11(2), Jun 2025, 149-157; doi:10.1037/mot0000327
Reactance theory has inspired a plethora of empirical investigations since its birth. In this project, we attempt to push the boundaries of existing work by (a) assessing the degree to which the core two-step process predicted by the theory is superior to its logical alternatives and (b) considering the role of reactance in shaping message production in an interpersonal context. Data from a web-based experiment (N = 955) provided strong evidence that the proposed reactance process was empirically superior to theoretical alternatives. In addition, examining reactance in advice interactions, we found that prospective advisors perceived a greater threat to freedom and subsequently a higher level of reactance in response to inexplicit requests when they made a controllable attribution for the problem that prompted the need for advice. Reactance in turn diminishes the quality of their advice. Implications for reactance theory and advice research are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)