Why does reverse psychology work?
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Not all the time. People who are susceptible to reverse psychology are acting out a child like, regressed, unconscious role. These people are prone to routine so they enact lazily a routine in the search of resolving their issue. They probably expect something to happen in a specific way so by subverting expectation it makes their goal less desirable.
A common one is relationship disputes. For example, a partner may expect an argument when they come home and instinctually try to provoke one to assert the space needed to recuperate from their job. Your instinct would be to become defensive and people typically fall for those instinctive traps. By doing something unexpected it breaks and avoids the routine that would cause distress.
Reverse psychology is a gamble as not every situation is the same. Especially when someone is particularly mindful of their actions and speech. It is better to be skilful in social situations rather than oddballing everyone because you think you are being clever.
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