How we change what others think, feel, believe and do

Flight into health

Techniques > Resisting persuasion > Flight into health

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Method

When you are getting 'help' from somebody where you do not really want that help, put up a face that shows everything is just fine and that you do not need any assistance after all. Cover up any problems. Put on a brave face. Grit your teeth and smile rather than show any weakness.

Example

A business executive calls in a consultant to help one of his managers whose project is slipping. The manager does a quick bit of reorganization before the consultant arrives and tells the consultant that the project is under control and that help is not needed.

Discussion

When a sick person who is terrified of diagnosis or treatment goes to the doctor, he or she may suddenly feel a lot better and not need anything done after all. In fact this can even be a psychological phenomenon, where they actually do feel better (something akin to the placebo effect).