Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 23, 2026

Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses
Published on: September 28, 2018
Antecedents to Psychological Reactance: The Impact of Threat, Message Frame, and Choice
1a Department of Communication Studies , University of Georgia.
Abstract:
A 2 (Threat: high vs. low) × 2 (Frame: gain vs. loss) × 2 (Choice: yes vs. no) × 2 (Behavior: prevention vs. detection) factorial design Web-based experiment (N = 814) was conducted to investigate the impact of threat to freedom, message frame, and behavioral choice as antecedents to psychological reactance. The intertwined model for reactance measure was replicated. Results showed that threat to freedom and the loss frame increased, and the gain frame and choice mitigated psychological reactance. The advantages of choice and the gain frame were most salient when threat was high.
Related Concept Videos
Framing Effects
The Influence of Cognition on Affect
Routes of Persuasion
Stereotype Threat and Self-fulfilling Prophecies
Psychological Responses to Stress
Preparedness and Phobias

