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MENTAL MODEL · M2469

Boomerang Effect

Boomerang Effect
BehaviorHigh supportSocial Psychology
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

When attempting to forcefully change someone's attitude, if the argument is too aggressive or restricts the person's sense of freedom, it not only fails to persuade but also triggers psychological reactance, causing the attitude to strengthen in the opposite direction (rebounding further). -

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

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The mechanical backlash of persuasion. - This is the result of 'psychological reactance' (2). If you want a child to read, forcibly shoving a book at them (forceful throw) will make them throw it further away. Skilled persuasion is 'attraction' rather than 'push'—show the joy of reading and let them come to you. Avoid excessive force.

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When persuasive messages are perceived as intruding on autonomy or threatening freedom, psychological reactance is triggered. Individuals reassert their original attitude to regain a sense of control, moving their attitude further away from the persuasion goal. The intensity increases with the level of pressure; gentle approaches that offer choices reduce reactance. It reveals that 'push' beyond a threshold transforms into 'rebound force'.

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boomerang_effectZH · Explicit
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