A word for the urge to do the oppositeWord to describe someone doing something even though told not toWhat is the word for a person who does the opposite of what he speaks?What is the word for a fear of hippopotamuses?a single, fairly sophisticated word that describes one's desire to be uniqueHow would you invent the word for 'fear of standing next to beds'?Word for someone using their fame to push their personal agendaAnother word/phrase for something being very “push-button”?
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A word for the urge to do the opposite
Word to describe someone doing something even though told not toWhat is the word for a person who does the opposite of what he speaks?What is the word for a fear of hippopotamuses?a single, fairly sophisticated word that describes one's desire to be uniqueHow would you invent the word for 'fear of standing next to beds'?Word for someone using their fame to push their personal agendaAnother word/phrase for something being very “push-button”?
.everyoneloves__top-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__mid-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__bot-mid-leaderboard:empty margin-bottom:0;
If an instruction next to a button says ‘do not push’, some people end up pushing it. Their desire to do the opposite overpowers the fear, if any, of repercussions. Is there any word for such a trait in a person?
single-word-requests
add a comment |
If an instruction next to a button says ‘do not push’, some people end up pushing it. Their desire to do the opposite overpowers the fear, if any, of repercussions. Is there any word for such a trait in a person?
single-word-requests
I would suggest it's the desire to see what the consequences actually are, rather than simply accept a stark instruction. Exploration and discovery are part of the human condition; it's not simply a question of disobeying an instruction. Do you have a better example?
– Andrew Leach♦
7 hours ago
I share your view. Some people can’t live without knowing the answer to ‘what if...?’ I think it’s a mix of reckless curiosity and subconscious defiance.
– user358018
7 hours ago
Defiant, the middle word in ODD.
– KannE
5 hours ago
Possible duplicate of Word to describe someone doing something even though told not to
– Jason Bassford
10 mins ago
add a comment |
If an instruction next to a button says ‘do not push’, some people end up pushing it. Their desire to do the opposite overpowers the fear, if any, of repercussions. Is there any word for such a trait in a person?
single-word-requests
If an instruction next to a button says ‘do not push’, some people end up pushing it. Their desire to do the opposite overpowers the fear, if any, of repercussions. Is there any word for such a trait in a person?
single-word-requests
single-word-requests
asked 8 hours ago
user358018user358018
364 bronze badges
364 bronze badges
I would suggest it's the desire to see what the consequences actually are, rather than simply accept a stark instruction. Exploration and discovery are part of the human condition; it's not simply a question of disobeying an instruction. Do you have a better example?
– Andrew Leach♦
7 hours ago
I share your view. Some people can’t live without knowing the answer to ‘what if...?’ I think it’s a mix of reckless curiosity and subconscious defiance.
– user358018
7 hours ago
Defiant, the middle word in ODD.
– KannE
5 hours ago
Possible duplicate of Word to describe someone doing something even though told not to
– Jason Bassford
10 mins ago
add a comment |
I would suggest it's the desire to see what the consequences actually are, rather than simply accept a stark instruction. Exploration and discovery are part of the human condition; it's not simply a question of disobeying an instruction. Do you have a better example?
– Andrew Leach♦
7 hours ago
I share your view. Some people can’t live without knowing the answer to ‘what if...?’ I think it’s a mix of reckless curiosity and subconscious defiance.
– user358018
7 hours ago
Defiant, the middle word in ODD.
– KannE
5 hours ago
Possible duplicate of Word to describe someone doing something even though told not to
– Jason Bassford
10 mins ago
I would suggest it's the desire to see what the consequences actually are, rather than simply accept a stark instruction. Exploration and discovery are part of the human condition; it's not simply a question of disobeying an instruction. Do you have a better example?
– Andrew Leach♦
7 hours ago
I would suggest it's the desire to see what the consequences actually are, rather than simply accept a stark instruction. Exploration and discovery are part of the human condition; it's not simply a question of disobeying an instruction. Do you have a better example?
– Andrew Leach♦
7 hours ago
I share your view. Some people can’t live without knowing the answer to ‘what if...?’ I think it’s a mix of reckless curiosity and subconscious defiance.
– user358018
7 hours ago
I share your view. Some people can’t live without knowing the answer to ‘what if...?’ I think it’s a mix of reckless curiosity and subconscious defiance.
– user358018
7 hours ago
Defiant, the middle word in ODD.
– KannE
5 hours ago
Defiant, the middle word in ODD.
– KannE
5 hours ago
Possible duplicate of Word to describe someone doing something even though told not to
– Jason Bassford
10 mins ago
Possible duplicate of Word to describe someone doing something even though told not to
– Jason Bassford
10 mins ago
add a comment |
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
This is contrariness (one sense of).
contrariness: n 1a deliberate and stubborn unruliness and resistance to guidance or discipline
[Vocabulary.com]
listed synonyms include perverseness.
add a comment |
wilfullness OED
The quality or character of being wilful; disposition to assert one's
own will against reason, persuasion, etc.; determination to take one's
own way; self-will, perversity, obstinacy, stubbornness.
From the 14th C, the sense of wilfullness is 'nefariously' deliberate, knowingly, and on purpose.
add a comment |
It is called reactance in psychology. Moreover, the reverse psychology technique relies on the psychological phenomenon of reactance, in which a person chooses the option being advocated against.
Description:
When people feel that their freedom to choose an action is threatened, they get an unpleasant feeling called ‘reactance’. This also motivates them to perform the threatened behavior, thus proving that their free will has not been compromised.
Research:
Pennebaker and Sanders (1976) put one of two signs on college bathroom walls. One read ‘Do not write on these walls under any circumstances’ whilst the other read ‘Please don’t write on these walls.’ A couple of weeks later, the walls with the ‘Do not write on these walls under any circumstances’ notice had far more graffiti on them.
http://changingminds.org/explanations/theories/reactance.htm
OED definition and the earliest citation:
Psychology. A response of resistance aroused in a person who feels his or her freedom of choice is threatened or impeded.
1966 J. W. Brehm Theory of Psychol. Reactance i. 2 Since this hypothetical motivational state is in response to the reduction (or threatened reduction) of one's potential for acting, and conceptually may be considered a counterforce, it will be called ‘psychological reactance’.
add a comment |
The version I'm familiar with is: don't think of pink elephants.
Wikipedia has an article on this called the ironic process theory.
Ironic process theory, ironic rebound, or the white bear problem
refers to the psychological process whereby deliberate attempts to
suppress certain thoughts make them more likely to surface. An
example is how when someone is actively trying not to think of a white
bear they may actually be more likely to imagine one.
1
It’s not exactly what I was looking for, but I have to thank you for sharing this concept with me. It’s truly enriching.
– user358018
7 hours ago
Yes, I've realized it's not an exact match... not a single word and not a personal trait either...
– S Conroy
7 hours ago
add a comment |
Counter-productive seems to fit your request pretty closely. The OED defines it as:
Having the opposite of the desired effect, tending to act against the attainment of an objective.
add a comment |
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5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
This is contrariness (one sense of).
contrariness: n 1a deliberate and stubborn unruliness and resistance to guidance or discipline
[Vocabulary.com]
listed synonyms include perverseness.
add a comment |
This is contrariness (one sense of).
contrariness: n 1a deliberate and stubborn unruliness and resistance to guidance or discipline
[Vocabulary.com]
listed synonyms include perverseness.
add a comment |
This is contrariness (one sense of).
contrariness: n 1a deliberate and stubborn unruliness and resistance to guidance or discipline
[Vocabulary.com]
listed synonyms include perverseness.
This is contrariness (one sense of).
contrariness: n 1a deliberate and stubborn unruliness and resistance to guidance or discipline
[Vocabulary.com]
listed synonyms include perverseness.
answered 7 hours ago
Edwin AshworthEdwin Ashworth
50.6k10 gold badges95 silver badges159 bronze badges
50.6k10 gold badges95 silver badges159 bronze badges
add a comment |
add a comment |
wilfullness OED
The quality or character of being wilful; disposition to assert one's
own will against reason, persuasion, etc.; determination to take one's
own way; self-will, perversity, obstinacy, stubbornness.
From the 14th C, the sense of wilfullness is 'nefariously' deliberate, knowingly, and on purpose.
add a comment |
wilfullness OED
The quality or character of being wilful; disposition to assert one's
own will against reason, persuasion, etc.; determination to take one's
own way; self-will, perversity, obstinacy, stubbornness.
From the 14th C, the sense of wilfullness is 'nefariously' deliberate, knowingly, and on purpose.
add a comment |
wilfullness OED
The quality or character of being wilful; disposition to assert one's
own will against reason, persuasion, etc.; determination to take one's
own way; self-will, perversity, obstinacy, stubbornness.
From the 14th C, the sense of wilfullness is 'nefariously' deliberate, knowingly, and on purpose.
wilfullness OED
The quality or character of being wilful; disposition to assert one's
own will against reason, persuasion, etc.; determination to take one's
own way; self-will, perversity, obstinacy, stubbornness.
From the 14th C, the sense of wilfullness is 'nefariously' deliberate, knowingly, and on purpose.
answered 7 hours ago
lbflbf
26.5k2 gold badges31 silver badges85 bronze badges
26.5k2 gold badges31 silver badges85 bronze badges
add a comment |
add a comment |
It is called reactance in psychology. Moreover, the reverse psychology technique relies on the psychological phenomenon of reactance, in which a person chooses the option being advocated against.
Description:
When people feel that their freedom to choose an action is threatened, they get an unpleasant feeling called ‘reactance’. This also motivates them to perform the threatened behavior, thus proving that their free will has not been compromised.
Research:
Pennebaker and Sanders (1976) put one of two signs on college bathroom walls. One read ‘Do not write on these walls under any circumstances’ whilst the other read ‘Please don’t write on these walls.’ A couple of weeks later, the walls with the ‘Do not write on these walls under any circumstances’ notice had far more graffiti on them.
http://changingminds.org/explanations/theories/reactance.htm
OED definition and the earliest citation:
Psychology. A response of resistance aroused in a person who feels his or her freedom of choice is threatened or impeded.
1966 J. W. Brehm Theory of Psychol. Reactance i. 2 Since this hypothetical motivational state is in response to the reduction (or threatened reduction) of one's potential for acting, and conceptually may be considered a counterforce, it will be called ‘psychological reactance’.
add a comment |
It is called reactance in psychology. Moreover, the reverse psychology technique relies on the psychological phenomenon of reactance, in which a person chooses the option being advocated against.
Description:
When people feel that their freedom to choose an action is threatened, they get an unpleasant feeling called ‘reactance’. This also motivates them to perform the threatened behavior, thus proving that their free will has not been compromised.
Research:
Pennebaker and Sanders (1976) put one of two signs on college bathroom walls. One read ‘Do not write on these walls under any circumstances’ whilst the other read ‘Please don’t write on these walls.’ A couple of weeks later, the walls with the ‘Do not write on these walls under any circumstances’ notice had far more graffiti on them.
http://changingminds.org/explanations/theories/reactance.htm
OED definition and the earliest citation:
Psychology. A response of resistance aroused in a person who feels his or her freedom of choice is threatened or impeded.
1966 J. W. Brehm Theory of Psychol. Reactance i. 2 Since this hypothetical motivational state is in response to the reduction (or threatened reduction) of one's potential for acting, and conceptually may be considered a counterforce, it will be called ‘psychological reactance’.
add a comment |
It is called reactance in psychology. Moreover, the reverse psychology technique relies on the psychological phenomenon of reactance, in which a person chooses the option being advocated against.
Description:
When people feel that their freedom to choose an action is threatened, they get an unpleasant feeling called ‘reactance’. This also motivates them to perform the threatened behavior, thus proving that their free will has not been compromised.
Research:
Pennebaker and Sanders (1976) put one of two signs on college bathroom walls. One read ‘Do not write on these walls under any circumstances’ whilst the other read ‘Please don’t write on these walls.’ A couple of weeks later, the walls with the ‘Do not write on these walls under any circumstances’ notice had far more graffiti on them.
http://changingminds.org/explanations/theories/reactance.htm
OED definition and the earliest citation:
Psychology. A response of resistance aroused in a person who feels his or her freedom of choice is threatened or impeded.
1966 J. W. Brehm Theory of Psychol. Reactance i. 2 Since this hypothetical motivational state is in response to the reduction (or threatened reduction) of one's potential for acting, and conceptually may be considered a counterforce, it will be called ‘psychological reactance’.
It is called reactance in psychology. Moreover, the reverse psychology technique relies on the psychological phenomenon of reactance, in which a person chooses the option being advocated against.
Description:
When people feel that their freedom to choose an action is threatened, they get an unpleasant feeling called ‘reactance’. This also motivates them to perform the threatened behavior, thus proving that their free will has not been compromised.
Research:
Pennebaker and Sanders (1976) put one of two signs on college bathroom walls. One read ‘Do not write on these walls under any circumstances’ whilst the other read ‘Please don’t write on these walls.’ A couple of weeks later, the walls with the ‘Do not write on these walls under any circumstances’ notice had far more graffiti on them.
http://changingminds.org/explanations/theories/reactance.htm
OED definition and the earliest citation:
Psychology. A response of resistance aroused in a person who feels his or her freedom of choice is threatened or impeded.
1966 J. W. Brehm Theory of Psychol. Reactance i. 2 Since this hypothetical motivational state is in response to the reduction (or threatened reduction) of one's potential for acting, and conceptually may be considered a counterforce, it will be called ‘psychological reactance’.
answered 7 hours ago
ermanenermanen
46k27 gold badges127 silver badges237 bronze badges
46k27 gold badges127 silver badges237 bronze badges
add a comment |
add a comment |
The version I'm familiar with is: don't think of pink elephants.
Wikipedia has an article on this called the ironic process theory.
Ironic process theory, ironic rebound, or the white bear problem
refers to the psychological process whereby deliberate attempts to
suppress certain thoughts make them more likely to surface. An
example is how when someone is actively trying not to think of a white
bear they may actually be more likely to imagine one.
1
It’s not exactly what I was looking for, but I have to thank you for sharing this concept with me. It’s truly enriching.
– user358018
7 hours ago
Yes, I've realized it's not an exact match... not a single word and not a personal trait either...
– S Conroy
7 hours ago
add a comment |
The version I'm familiar with is: don't think of pink elephants.
Wikipedia has an article on this called the ironic process theory.
Ironic process theory, ironic rebound, or the white bear problem
refers to the psychological process whereby deliberate attempts to
suppress certain thoughts make them more likely to surface. An
example is how when someone is actively trying not to think of a white
bear they may actually be more likely to imagine one.
1
It’s not exactly what I was looking for, but I have to thank you for sharing this concept with me. It’s truly enriching.
– user358018
7 hours ago
Yes, I've realized it's not an exact match... not a single word and not a personal trait either...
– S Conroy
7 hours ago
add a comment |
The version I'm familiar with is: don't think of pink elephants.
Wikipedia has an article on this called the ironic process theory.
Ironic process theory, ironic rebound, or the white bear problem
refers to the psychological process whereby deliberate attempts to
suppress certain thoughts make them more likely to surface. An
example is how when someone is actively trying not to think of a white
bear they may actually be more likely to imagine one.
The version I'm familiar with is: don't think of pink elephants.
Wikipedia has an article on this called the ironic process theory.
Ironic process theory, ironic rebound, or the white bear problem
refers to the psychological process whereby deliberate attempts to
suppress certain thoughts make them more likely to surface. An
example is how when someone is actively trying not to think of a white
bear they may actually be more likely to imagine one.
answered 7 hours ago
S ConroyS Conroy
4,8821 gold badge8 silver badges32 bronze badges
4,8821 gold badge8 silver badges32 bronze badges
1
It’s not exactly what I was looking for, but I have to thank you for sharing this concept with me. It’s truly enriching.
– user358018
7 hours ago
Yes, I've realized it's not an exact match... not a single word and not a personal trait either...
– S Conroy
7 hours ago
add a comment |
1
It’s not exactly what I was looking for, but I have to thank you for sharing this concept with me. It’s truly enriching.
– user358018
7 hours ago
Yes, I've realized it's not an exact match... not a single word and not a personal trait either...
– S Conroy
7 hours ago
1
1
It’s not exactly what I was looking for, but I have to thank you for sharing this concept with me. It’s truly enriching.
– user358018
7 hours ago
It’s not exactly what I was looking for, but I have to thank you for sharing this concept with me. It’s truly enriching.
– user358018
7 hours ago
Yes, I've realized it's not an exact match... not a single word and not a personal trait either...
– S Conroy
7 hours ago
Yes, I've realized it's not an exact match... not a single word and not a personal trait either...
– S Conroy
7 hours ago
add a comment |
Counter-productive seems to fit your request pretty closely. The OED defines it as:
Having the opposite of the desired effect, tending to act against the attainment of an objective.
add a comment |
Counter-productive seems to fit your request pretty closely. The OED defines it as:
Having the opposite of the desired effect, tending to act against the attainment of an objective.
add a comment |
Counter-productive seems to fit your request pretty closely. The OED defines it as:
Having the opposite of the desired effect, tending to act against the attainment of an objective.
Counter-productive seems to fit your request pretty closely. The OED defines it as:
Having the opposite of the desired effect, tending to act against the attainment of an objective.
answered 7 hours ago
JustinJustin
1,4492 silver badges18 bronze badges
1,4492 silver badges18 bronze badges
add a comment |
add a comment |
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I would suggest it's the desire to see what the consequences actually are, rather than simply accept a stark instruction. Exploration and discovery are part of the human condition; it's not simply a question of disobeying an instruction. Do you have a better example?
– Andrew Leach♦
7 hours ago
I share your view. Some people can’t live without knowing the answer to ‘what if...?’ I think it’s a mix of reckless curiosity and subconscious defiance.
– user358018
7 hours ago
Defiant, the middle word in ODD.
– KannE
5 hours ago
Possible duplicate of Word to describe someone doing something even though told not to
– Jason Bassford
10 mins ago