Trait and State Psychological Reactance and Relapse Risk among Probationers in Bacolod City, Philippines

In the Philippines, the court-ordered community-based drug rehabilitation program of the Parole and Probation Administration faces the challenge of relapse despite the provision of holistic programs aimed at the reformation of probationers. Extant literature attributes this to psychological reactance as one of the contributing factors, given the restrictive nature of judicial orders. Accordingly, this study aimed to determine the extent of both trait and state psychological reactance, as well as the risk of relapse, among drug-involved probationers in Bacolod City. It further examined whether these types of psychological reactance are correlated with and predictive of drug relapse risk. A survey on trait and state reactance, as well as risk of relapse, was conducted among 166 probationers in Bacolod City. Results showed a low level of state reactance and an average level of trait reactance among participants. There was a positive correlation and predictive relationship between variables. This study highlights the importance of considering psychological reactance in the relapse of probationers, suggesting that agencies should implement more evidence-based practices to reduce psychological reactance.