Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Resistance to persuasion may be increased by:
(A) Reactance
(B) Emotional appeal
(C) Forewarning
(D) Selective avoidance

Correct option is D

Resistance to persuasion refers to the psychological mechanisms that help individuals maintain their existing attitudes despite attempts to change them. Several cognitive and emotional factors can strengthen resistance to persuasive messages.

Why (A), (C), and (D) Increase Resistance to Persuasion?
(A) Reactance
Reactance Theory (Brehm, 1966) states that when people feel their freedom is threatened, they resist persuasion by doing the opposite of what is suggested.

(C) Forewarning
When people are warned in advance about a persuasive attempt, they can prepare counterarguments, making them less likely to change their attitudes.

(D) Selective Avoidance
People actively avoid persuasive messages that challenge their pre-existing beliefs.

Thus, reactance, forewarning, and selective avoidance increase resistance to persuasion, but emotional appeal does not.
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Information Booster:
1.Selective Exposure Theory: People choose media and information sources that reinforce their existing attitudes and avoid opposing views.
2.Inoculation Theory (McGuire, 1961): Exposure to weak counterarguments in advance helps people resist persuasion more effectively.
3.Cognitive Dissonance (Festinger, 1957): When people hold conflicting beliefs, they may resist persuasion to maintain internal consistency.
4.Fear vs. Logical Appeals: Fear-based messages may backfire if they are too intense, while logical appeals tend to be more effective.