A song in the musical The Fantasticks includes a verse sung by two parents: "Why do the kids put beans in their ears? No one can hear with beans in their ears. After a while, the reason appears. They did it cause we said, 'No.'" Which theory explains this behavior?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Psychological Reactance Theory suggests that people have a negative reaction to any attempt to restrict their freedom of choice, resulting in an increased desire to perform the restricted behavior. In this case, the parents saying "no" to putting beans in their ears may have led the children to resist their authority and engage in the behavior as a way of asserting their independence.

A Song in the Musical the Fantasticks Includes a Verse