Often, reverse psychology is used by adults on children in situations where the adult may not want the child to know that they want them to do something. For example, instead of ordering a child to eat their vegetables, a parent could instead say: “Don't eat those vegetables”.
Reverse psychology is a simple concept. You want someone to do something, but are pretty sure they won't do it even if you ask nicely. So you try to trick the person into it by asking or telling them to do the exact opposite of what you really want them to do.
Reverse psychology is a form of manipulation. However, in many cases, the technique can produce a positive effect, especially when used with children who don't want to listen or comply or people who need help changing certain behaviors.
Reverse psychology is a technique involving the assertion of a belief or behavior that is opposite to the one desired, with the expectation that this approach will encourage the subject of the persuasion to do what is actually desired.
When we use reverse psychology, we consciously choose to say something we know isn't true. If it's a tool you use consistently in your relationship, or used to attract your partner? Then the relationship is essentially founded on lies.
If they're naturally disagreeable, reverse psychology will probably work. This is really more of an art than a science, but it may not work depending on your target. Two things usually need to be true—the person must be naturally contrarian, and they must feel like their freedom to choose is being taken away from them.
Using reverse psychology is not guaranteed to get you what you want, so there are some risks. For example, if your partner knows that you're using reverse psychology on them, they may feel manipulated or tricked. They may also feel like they can never trust you again because of how sneaky this technique is.
Dark psychology is the science and art of manipulation and mind control. Psychology alone is the study of how the human mind and thoughts behave and make us interact with others. Dark psychology is when people use maneuvers, motivations, manipulations, persuasion, and compulsion to achieve their goals.
Experts tell us reverse psychology is more likely to work on those who like to be in control — Type A folks, rebels and narcissistic people, to name a few. (Agreeable, more passive people typically will do what you ask, so reverse psychology isn't necessary for them.)
There are many ways to use dark psychology in politics, but some of the most common uses include playing on fears, exploiting vulnerabilities, brainwashing, and creating divisions. Dark psychology can be used to manipulate people's emotions and get them to act against their best interests.
Often the phrase “toxic person” is used to describe someone who is subtly or outwardly manipulative, self-centered, needy, or controlling.
A scheming person will time their disappearing act just in a moment that they are most needed. This is done to highlight the want of them to the point of desperation. Then they will reappear, just in time, to save the day and thus reestablish their value and worth.
Stubborn people are often fearful of change, which explains the rigidity that characterises much of their behaviour. At an unconscious level, they perceive attempts to change their mind as personal attacks. Thus, they are always on their guard, lashing out at anyone who tries to question their ideas.
If you've suffered emotional abuse, you're more prone to be stubborn as you developed a coping mechanism to protect yourself from such experiences. What are the coping mechanisms that derive from emotional abuse and manifest in the same way? Controlling situations — you impose your way and no other way to do things.
Signs of Lying
Repeating questions before answering them. Speaking in sentence fragments. Failing to provide specific details when a story is challenged. Grooming behaviors such as playing with hair or pressing fingers to lips.