Abstract
This investigation is aimed at the prediction of
individual response to therapeutic paradox, on the
basis of reactance-potential.
Recent literature on paradoxical psychotherapy holds
that reactance, a motivational state to restore
control,underlies the success of defiance-based
therapeutic paradox. Success of such paradox
depends on the tendency of the individual to rebel,
or use reactance. Such a tendency is known as the
reactance-potential of the individual. Several
variables have been linked to reactance-potential.
Some of these are measurable, as for example, Locus
of Control and Interactional Control. These
variables may potentially be used to predict
reactance-potential, and thus the success of defiancebased
paradox.
Experimental hypotheses were based on the theory
that individuals high on reactance-potential would
tend to respond positively (with reactance) to defiance
based paradoxical injunctions, while individuals with
low reactance-potential would tend to comply. The
goal of the therapeutic intervention was a positive
change in Self Concept for the high-reactance
potential group. Therapeutic paradoxes were applied
to the two groups differentiated in terms of high
and low reactance-potential, and Self Concept was
measured before and after the application of paradox...
M.A. (Clinical Psychology)