Why does reverse psychology work?
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I think there are likely different definitions of what ‘reverse psychology’ actually consists of.
Probably the simplest example is wanting someone to do or have something (to go on vacation, or to eat their vegetables, or pick up toys, or do the dishes because its your turn). Instead of nagging them to do the thing, one withholds it and calls their attention to the fact that they can’t have it.
There seems to be a desire mechanism common to mammals that if they are told they can’t have something, they automatically want it now. This may be a reaction to scarcity as a survival instinct, but not sure that has ever been defined.
“We will never have time for vacation so let’s just stop trying to plan for one. ” Suddenly the SO reacts negatively to this statement and wants that vacation, which previously they had not agreed to.
“Let’s just leave the toys all over the floor, and probably other people will take them, but it’s easier than putting them away.” Suddenly someone wants those toys stowed out of sight.
It’s always a risk that the other party will agree with the negative reasoning, though.
Anecdotal example: I’ve been getting my dog to eat a treat-medication that he rejects by first showing it to him quickly and them carrying it away from him while holding it down where he can see it and possibly reach it, with effort. The dog immediately wants the thing that is going away and goes after it. When the dog grabs it in his mouth and tries to take it, I hold on and he has to tug and make an effort to have it. THEN he will eat it. I was coached to do this by a dog trainer. It’s working. 🙂
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