Just Give Me a Reason: Developing a Scale to Explore the Drive for Seeking Provocation

Provocation seeking (PS) is defined as the deliberate choice an individual makes to enter into a situation wherein other people are likely to provoke (e.g., threaten, insult) them towards some type of dispute. Rooted in the broader framework of situation selection, which describes how individuals choose environments that align with their goals and emotional states, PS specifically captures the tendency to seek out contexts likely for conflict. The present studies represent an initial step in investigating the novel concept of PS by identifying commonly endorsed PS behaviors and developing a measure to assess them. Given the lack of existing research on PS as a distinct construct, we employed a multi-method approach to define and operationalize it. In Study 1, we collected qualitative responses from laypersons regarding their personal PS behaviors and motives, using a bottom-up approach to capture real-world examples. We then incorporated expert evaluations (top-down approach) to refine item content and ensure conceptual clarity. Study 2 tested the psychometric properties of the resulting scale, assessing its factor structure and correlates with nomologically related constructs–aggression, impulsivity, and the Big Five personality traits. Together, these studies provide an initial framework for understanding PS and establish a measure for future research.