Reverse psychology is the name of a persuasion technique, where the intended objective is presented in a way contrary to what is really desired.
In other words, reverse psychology is a game of paradoxes, when an individual who wants to conquer something from someone, speaks and it acts contrary to their intentions, confusing the “target person” and causing them to do exactly what the persuader wants.
However, this individual believes that he is doing the opposite of what is being commanded, for in this way he was enacted by the persuader.
For example:
- “John, are you going to wash the dishes?”
- “I do not want!”
- “OK, let... You don't know how to wash anything right!”
- “Of course I know!”
- “You know nothing, you are a pig!”
- “Lie! I'll wash the dishes and you'll see how well I clean!”
Reverse psychology is more easily applied to children, especially those who are more rebellious and have great difficulty taking orders.
See more about the meaning of child psicology.
Reverse psychology is also known for
inverse psychology, precisely because the person ordered by another individual to do the opposite of what was asked of him.The explanation for this behavior lies in the premise that most people hate to have their freedom of action restricted when they are told to do something they don't like.
See about the meaning of psychology.