What type of messages are likely to activate a person's defensive system?

Messages that induce avoidance are indeed likely to activate a person's defensive system. When individuals perceive a message as threatening or negative, their natural defense mechanisms can trigger emotional reactions such as denial, anger, or refusal to engage with the information. This defensive response can be particularly pronounced when the message addresses uncomfortable truths, evokes fear, or suggests that a person's current beliefs or behaviors are harmful.

Such negative messages can create psychological discomfort, prompting individuals to protect their self-esteem or existing beliefs rather than considering the content of the message critically. This is why defensiveness can hinder effective communication and persuasion, as the focus shifts to self-protection rather than processing the information presented.

In contrast, messages focusing on rewards, sharing positive success stories, or providing informational and educational content tend to engage individuals more constructively, promoting open-mindedness and receptivity rather than defensive postures. These options are more likely to inspire motivation and positive action rather than defensiveness.