What best describes advertising designed to appeal to emotions to influence consumer behavior?

Advertising that aims to appeal to emotions in order to influence consumer behavior is best described as persuasive advertising. This type of advertising seeks to elicit an emotional reaction, such as happiness, nostalgia, or empathy, to motivate potential customers to make a purchase. By connecting with consumers on an emotional level, persuasive advertising can strengthen the bond between the consumer and the brand, making the product or service more memorable and desirable.

In contrast, comparative advertising focuses on comparing one product with another to highlight differences and advantages. Defensive advertising is intended to counter negative perceptions or criticism about a brand or product, often working to protect the brand's reputation rather than evoke emotions. Informative advertising aims to provide factual information about a product's attributes or uses without necessarily focusing on emotional appeal. In summary, the defining characteristic of persuasive advertising is its goal to connect emotionally with the audience, making it the most suitable description in this scenario.