Quote by Millard F. Mann, The Illusion of
Reactance theory does not address how harmful or innocuous control can be and may seem to be too circumscribed to explain the nature of general harmful behavior. However, the limitations of its scope to specific and reactive control motivation do not detract from its power to explain battles for control dynamics. It is formulated to anticipate these specific incidents and, in doing so, addresses harm in general.With this purpose and the applicability of reactance theory in mind, the terms control and specific control are used interchangeably and, because reactance is control motivation, the terms reactance and control motivation are also used interchangeably. A control model, subsuming these concepts and general control, is introduced next, in which control (unless identified by a general control descriptor) is the belief in the freedom to engage in a specific nonharmful or harmful behavior to reach a specific nonharmful or harmful goal that can be exercised for a variety of reasons, most particularly when threatened or taken away, arousing reactance in proportion to its distinctiveness and importance.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14663128619702463487
Summary
This quote explains the limitations and scope of reactance theory when it comes to understanding control dynamics and harmful behavior. The theory primarily focuses on addressing specific incidents and reactive control motivation, rather than examining the broader implications of control. However, these limitations do not diminish the theory's ability to explain battles for control and its relevance in understanding the dynamics of harm. The terms control and specific control, as well as reactance and control motivation, are used interchangeably in this context. The quote also introduces a control model that encompasses these concepts and general control, describing it as the belief in the freedom to engage in specific nonharmful or harmful behavior to achieve certain goals, which can trigger reactance if threatened or taken away.