psychological reactance

Psychological reactance is a common emotional reaction that occurs when people feel their freedom to choose is being restricted or threatened. When someone perceives that an option is being taken away or overly controlled, they may strongly oppose the influence and assert their independence by resisting the pressure, often in ways that reaffirm their freedom. This can lead to rebellious behavior, such as doing the opposite of what is being suggested or imposed. Essentially, when individuals feel pushed, they often push back, motivated by a desire to maintain their autonomy.