According to Osgood and Tannenbaum's congruity theory, a client will accept suggestions more readily if

According to Osgood and Tannenbaum's congruity theory, a client will accept suggestions more readily if

• A. The Counselor Uses High-Pressure Tactics
• B. The Client Has High Self-Esteem
• C. The Client Likes the Counselor
• D. The Counselor Shares the Client's Hobbies

Answer: (C)

Congruity theory shows that persuasion works best when the listener feels rapport and similarity with the speaker. When a client likes the counselor, trust and positive regard grow, making the counselor’s suggestions seem more credible and acceptable. This liking reduces defensiveness and makes information easier to process, so the client is more open to considering and following recommendations. The other factors don’t tap into this interpersonal agreement as directly: high-pressure tactics often trigger resistance, a client’s own self-esteem might influence how they respond but doesn’t create the same favorable interpersonal connection, and shared hobbies may help momentarily, but it’s the overall liking and rapport that drive acceptance of suggestions.

Congruity theory shows that persuasion works best when the listener feels rapport and similarity with the speaker. When a client likes the counselor, trust and positive regard grow, making the counselor’s suggestions seem more credible and acceptable. This liking reduces defensiveness and makes information easier to process, so the client is more open to considering and following recommendations. The other factors don’t tap into this interpersonal agreement as directly: high-pressure tactics often trigger resistance, a client’s own self-esteem might influence how they respond but doesn’t create the same favorable interpersonal connection, and shared hobbies may help momentarily, but it’s the overall liking and rapport that drive acceptance of suggestions.