Intervention-Elicited Reactance and Its Implications

Abstract

Abstract. The present research investigated whether an intervention designed to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables (FVs) would elicit reactance and explored the consequences of reactance. Eighty-four students were randomized to one of two intervention groups or a control group. During the 1-week intervention, which was accompanied by a food diary, the 5aday-group had to eat 5 portions of FVs per day, the just1more group had to eat 1 more portion of FVs than usual, and the control group had to eat as usual. Both intervention groups reported higher reactance than the control group immediately after the intervention (T2) and still 1 week later (T3) with high effect sizes. Trait-reactance had no effect on any of the study variables. Intervention-elicited reactance was associated with a lower FV intake at follow-up (T4), and this association was mediated by a more negative attitude toward eating 5aday assessed 1 week after the intervention (T3).