Content

• Steps
• Warning

Inverse psychology is when you get someone to say or do something by asking them to do the opposite. This can be very effective in the advertising space and can also be helpful in dealing with certain types of people. However, you should be very careful about when and how to use inverse psychology. This can be seen as a form of manipulation. When it comes to habit, it can really destroy relationships. You should only use this psychological method occasionally, and only in less serious situations.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Getting others to change their minds with inverse psychology

1. 

   Start by making an option. Make this choice in the other's mind. It might be something that the other person would normally refuse, and at first they might even laugh at it. However, you need to make sure the other person is aware of the options available.
   • For example, let's say you are considering choosing between two parties that take place on a Friday night. Your friend loves movies, and his group of friends is hosting a movie night. You prefer the board games, and another group of friends will hold a game night.
   • Make your friend recognize the choice you want. You could say something like: “Did you know that Huong and Bao are going to hold a board game? Tired of that! "

2. 

   
   
   Use clever ways to make your choices appealing. Find a few ways to make the choice you make seem interesting. Open up some good information so that the other person feels attractive.
   • In the example above, you can mention the games that will be available that evening. You can also play cards with your friends a few days before the event to make them see how interesting the games are.
   • You can even make your friends in the event even more attractive. Describe the happy memories you had while playing with Hương and Bảo. Mention their strengths. For example, you could say: "Nha Bao has many delicious wines!"

3. 

   
   
   Use nonverbal cues. For example, you could play a mobile board game in front of your friend. You can invite Bao and Huong to have coffee with the other person before the event, so the other friend will remember how interesting Bao and Huong are.

4. 

   Refute the very choice you want. When the other person is interested in it, retry a little. This will push the other person closer to what you want. That person already somewhat liked your choice. If you are opposed to this choice now, someone with a natural stubborn personality will want to do it even more.
   • Going back to the above example, let's wait until Friday night. You can say, “We can go to Bao and Huong, or go to the movies with the other group. What do you think? I think the place Bao and Huong are a bit bored ”.
   • At this point, the other person may want to go to Bao and Huong. However, if they still hesitate, make it clearer. Say: "Another time to go to Bao and Huong is fine".

5. 

   
   
   Urge the other person to decide. To close, you can now urge the other person to make a decision. The main idea is to make the person think this is their decision. Ask politely what they want to do and wait for an answer. Chances are, they'll make the right choice for you.
   • In the example above, say: “We can go to Bao and Hương or go to the movies with the other group. What do you think? I will indulge you ”.
   • By making this friend think this is their decision, they will assume they are being asserted with autonomy. You made the event of Bao and Huong so exciting. You have also shown hesitation, which someone who likes to do the opposite will actually be against. If you're lucky, your friend will choose to go to Bao and Huong.
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Part 2 of 3: Recognize situations in which inverse psychology works

1. 

   Identify personality types that best respond to inverse psychology. Not everyone responds well to the inverse psychology approach. Easy-going people will often respond better to candid requests. If the person you know is stubborn by nature, the inverse psychology may work for them.
   • Think about the interactions you have with this person. Are they the ones that easily surrender to things or like to oppose them? If you know someone who thinks independently and likes to go against the status quo of things, maybe inverse psychology will affect them more than the easygoing people.
   • You should also keep this in mind if you plan to use inverse psychology with children. For a stubborn kid, inverse psychology is more effective than an easy child.

2. 

   Try to use inverse psychology in a fun way, especially for kids. Inverse psychology should be a gentle, and even fun, method. This is especially true when it is used with young children. Think of this as a way to make someone think that they are smarter than you.
   • For example, let's say you are trying to get your son to sleep on time. You can ask your child to wait until you finish brushing before preparing a bed, and explain that she is young and will need a lot of help. Then you may find that your child did the job on his own when he entered the room because he wanted to show his self-awareness.
   • For adults, use inverse psychology in a similar way. Let the person think they have the power to decide the situation.You can choose from two movies: a foreign film with subtitles and a light comedy. You really want to watch foreign movies, so you can say, "I don't know if I can pay attention and read the subtitles." At this point, your friend may insist on watching foreign movies because he wants to show his sublime attention.

3. 

   Consider what the other person wants. Before using inverse psychology, think about what the other person wants in a certain situation. In some cases, you may have to resort to a more complex method of inverse psychology. If someone wants to do something so much that it overwhelms their need to oppose, the conventional method of inverse psychology can backfire. For example, your friend wants to go to a concert alone in an unsafe area. You might think this is a bad idea, but the usual inverse psychology method won't work. If you say, “You're right. You should go. You only live once! ”, This friend can completely agree with you, because he really wants to go to that concert.
   • Try to contradict yourself in these situations rather than against existing options. Going back to the above example, you could say to this person, “I can't force you to do what you don't want. I claim that the area is extremely dangerous, but only you know what is best for you.
   • You are encouraging this person to think for themselves. If this person has a defiant nature, rather than thinking for himself, he will follow your advice. There is a high chance that he will decide not to attend the concert anymore.

4. 

   Think of your ultimate goal. Make sure you keep your ultimate goal in mind. Remind yourself from time to time about what you want the other person to do. Sometimes, disagreements can arise when you use inverse psychology. It is easy to forget what you want when arguing. Try to stick to your goals and keep in mind the results you want. advertisement

Part 3 of 3: Avoid abusing inverse psychology

1. 

   Do not abuse inverse psychology. Inverse psychology can be very effective in certain situations. Note, however, that this is a delicate form of manipulation. The habit of using this method will bring great harm to relationships.
   • Use inverse psychology in less serious situations. For example, you can use this method when you are selecting movies to watch with your partner. Should not be used every time you watch movies, because you should let the other person have a choice of entertainment activities for the couple.
   • These small situations can accumulate over time, leading to dissatisfaction in a relationship. For example, your partner may get tired of not being determined and start to get angry at you.

2. 

   Stay calm when using inverse psychology. Inverse psychology can be confusing, especially when you use it with children. Stubborn kids and people in general can take a while to act on your thoughts. You need to be calm and calm.
   • If your child gets upset while you are using inverse psychology, stay calm. Allow the child to continue to anger. When you are patient, the baby will eventually calm down and become more obedient.

3. 

   Avoid using inverse psychology in serious situations. There are certain situations where inverse psychology is potentially counterproductive, and the consequences can be very serious. You should avoid using inverse psychology when the health and safety of others are at stake.
   • For example, let's say your friend has chronic phobia. There is a suspicious mole on his shoulder, but he does not want to see a doctor.
   • Don't say, "You're right. Don't go to the doctor ”. This person's fear of the doctor may overwhelm his desire to resist, and as such, you may be encouraging a risky behavior.
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Warning

• Sometimes, especially for smart or stubborn people, using inverse psychology can be completely counterproductive because they know what you're up to. Be careful in selecting objects to use this method, otherwise things could get worse!
• This is not the healthiest way to communicate because you are taking advantage of (and encouraging) the misplaced rebellion. As children, they will often grow up and forget, but most adults will realize how foolish they are and will respond to nonviolent communication instead.