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Rebels With a Cause? Adolescent Defiance From the Perspective of Reactance Theory and Self‐Determination Theory
Author(s) -
Van Petegem Stijn,
Soenens Bart,
Vansteenkiste Maarten,
Beyers Wim
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
child development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.103
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1467-8624
pISSN - 0009-3920
DOI - 10.1111/cdev.12355
Subject(s) - reactance , psychology , deci , vignette , perspective (graphical) , autonomy , developmental psychology , social psychology , self determination theory , physics , quantum mechanics , voltage , artificial intelligence , political science , computer science , law
The present investigation focused on adolescents' defiance against parents by drawing upon psychological reactance theory (Brehm, 1966) and self‐determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000). Psychological reactance would be elicited when freedom is taken away, thereby motivating individuals to engage in oppositional behavior. Throughout four studies (total N = 1,472, age ranging between 12 and 21 years), it was examined whether a controlling parenting style related to adolescents' experiences of autonomy need frustration (i.e., pressure) and reactance. Reactance, in turn, would relate to more externalizing and internalizing problems. Support was obtained for these associations in community and clinical samples, making use of different informants, and controlling for responsiveness and rule setting. A vignette‐based study provided further support. The discussion highlights theoretical and clinical implications.