Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
When individuals actively protect themselves against persuasive messages by developing counterarguments and strengthening their existing beliefs.
Related terms
Reactance: The psychological phenomenon where individuals feel a strong urge to regain or maintain their freedom when they perceive it is being threatened.
Cognitive dissonance: The mental discomfort experienced when holding contradictory beliefs, values, or attitudes.
Confirmation bias: The tendency to seek out information that confirms our preexisting beliefs while ignoring or dismissing information that contradicts them.