Author(s)

Siwan Li ¹

Affiliation(s)

¹ Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China

Corresponding Author

Siwan Li

ABSTRACT

Since its introduction by Jack W. Brehm in 1966, the Psychological Reactance Theory (PRT) has become a cornerstone framework for explaining resistance behaviors in individuals facing freedom constraints. This study systematically reviews PRT's core concepts-including freedom perception, threat perception, psychological resistance, and behavioral recovery-while examining dimensional differences between trait resistance and state resistance. By tracing the theory's evolution from 1960s laboratory research to contemporary applications in digital environments, health communication, and aging care, the study reveals how linguistic characteristics, individual traits, and cultural contexts modulate resistance psychology. The findings aim to provide theoretical foundations for communication strategy design, emphasizing the use of non-coercive, autonomy-supportive language in health interventions and family communication to mitigate psychological resistance and enhance communication efficacy.

KEYWORDS

Psychological Resistance Theory; Trait Resistance; State Resistance

CITE THIS PAPER

Siwan Li. Psychological Resistance Theory: Core Connotations, Evolutionary Process and Multidisciplinary Application Research Review. Advances in Educational Technology and Psychology (2026). Vol. 10, No. 1, 122-126. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/aetp.2026.100116.

REFERENCES

[1] Brehm, J. W. (1966). A theory of psychological reactance. Academic Press.
[2] Dillard, J. P., & Shen, L. (2005). On the nature of reactance and its role in persuasive health communication. Communication Monographs, 72(2), 144–168.
[3] Quick, B. L., & Considine, J. R. (2008). Examining the role of trait reactance and sensation seeking on perceived threat, state reactance, and reactance restoration. Human Communication Research, 34(3), 448–476.
[4] Quick, B. L., Scott, A. M., & Ledbetter, A. M. (2011). A close examination of trait reactance and issue involvement as moderators of psychological reactance theory. Journal of Health Communication, 16(6), 625–646.
[5] Ball, H., Weber, K., Goodboy, A. K., Kunkle, C. E., Lilly, C. L., & Myers, S. A. (2022). A mixed methodological examination of older adults' psychological reactance toward caregiving messages from their adult children. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 39(7), 2133–2155.

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