Most people are aware of the concept of reverse psychology, either by using it themselves or having the concept used on them. It can even form the basis of some individual therapy techniques.
At its core, reverse psychology, often known to psychologists as strategic self-anticonformity, is when one person encourages a particular behaviour by suggesting or advocating for its complete opposite.
An example of this is a person saying to another person that they cannot do something in the hopes that they will do it to prove them wrong, and is an effect that works so well that it is often used in marketing without people realising it.
It works largely because of a phenomenon known as reactance. Many people do not like being told what to do or when someone is actively trying to persuade or manipulate them.
Reverse psychology works because it assumes that this reactance effect will happen, and then people will respond in a predictable way to feel like they are thinking autonomously.
However, whilst it can be effective when used sparingly and not used for personal gain, it is a manipulation tactic and once someone realises that they have been manipulated they may not trust the influencing person anymore, or conform to the reverse psychology attempt.
Most people can spot the signs of reverse psychology, especially in cases when it is obvious that the desired action is the one that is the opposite of what is requested, and not every person responds with reactance, meaning that an attempt at reverse psychology on a compliant person can backfire.
A less harmful alternative strategy known as motivational interviewing can help against reactance without manipulating someone or depriving them of their autonomy.
The key is to engage that person with strategically asked questions that empower them to make positive choices and think about how they would change themselves.
This reinforces their autonomy without making them feel manipulated, as they were able to make a genuine choice.