Attention and Decision Processes in Pattern Matching

摘要

The helplessness-reactance model as it applies to effects of adult control practices on children was studied. Results indicate that children who were exposed to the constantly directive adult showed the greatest increase in persistence when persistence was a matter of their own initiative, but showed least increase in persistence when persistence was a matter of compliance. The opposite pattern of results were obtained for children who had previously been exposed to the constantly lax adult. It is believed the directive condition did not induce helplessness but rather resistence. Indications were that children preferred adult directiveness to non-directiveness.