PositiveMode

I Certainly Don't Want The Last Donut!

I don't know why I chose a showdown over a final donut as an example to enter into a discussion on "reverse psychology" (and is this, in fact, an example of reverse psychology?) but this seemed like an absurd example of a situation encompassed by a term of which I am very critical.

According to Wikipedia, "In pop-culture the term Reverse Psychology refers to the attempt to persuade someone to do something by advocating doing the opposite" (note that this sentence is an exceedingly simplistic and uncreative way of introducing a topic, akin to something a seventh-grader might write ("Webster's dictionary defines 'democracy' as...") but it's fun to cite to Wikipedia. I think the technological nature of this reference, combined with its presence on the blog format makes the simplism slightly more acceptable).

We "Americans" use this phrase "reverse psychology" frequently, and proudly employ the techniques contemplated by the term, without even giving it much thought; we often think we're being sort of clever by using such tactics. But what's "reverse" about it? Aren't we really just using "psychology"?

The effectiveness of this persuasive technique is based on understanding psychology, and pushing psychological buttons based on that understanding, not contrary to it, as suggested by the name. I think "reverse psychology" would be more properly defined as clubbing someone over the head after they've refused to comply with your wishes despite your effective use of "psychology".

Don't even bother commenting to this post.

posted by PositiveMode @ 8:18 PM