How does psychological reactance relate to the credibility of the source delivering a message?

Psychological reactance refers to the emotional response that individuals experience when they perceive their freedoms are being threatened or restricted. This concept plays a crucial role in how individuals process messages, especially in health communication contexts. When a source tries to persuade or impose restrictions—such as health recommendations—individuals may react defensively, resulting in resistance to the message.

In this context, if a source is seen as overly controlling or if their messaging triggers reactance, it can diminish the perceived credibility of that source. People may start to question the motivations behind the message, suspecting that the source is trying to manipulate or coerce them rather than genuinely wanting to help. This skepticism can lead to a rejection of the message itself and a view that the source is not trustworthy or credible.

In summary, psychological reactance often leads to a negative perception of a source's credibility when individuals feel their autonomy is being threatened, thus explaining why the perceived credibility of the source can be diminished in such situations.