Self-fulfilling prophecies shape behavior and outcomes by aligning actions with expectations. This phenomenon, evident in education, healthcare, and social interactions, can lead to both positive effects, like the Pygmalion effect in classrooms, and negative consequences, such as reinforcing stereotypes. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for personal development and creating supportive environments.
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Self-fulfilling prophecies are a sociopsychological phenomenon where an individual's expectations cause them to act in ways that make the expected outcome more likely
Self-fulfilling prophecies are an aspect of the social cognitive theory, which considers how individuals acquire and maintain behavioral patterns and the influence of the social environment
Self-fulfilling prophecies illustrate the dynamic interplay between beliefs and behavior, showing how an individual's cognition can affect their actions and the actual outcome
The cycle of a self-fulfilling prophecy starts with an expectation that affects a person's behavior towards someone or something
The behavior caused by the expectation then leads to the expected outcome, reinforcing the original expectation
This cycle can become entrenched over time, leading to persistent behaviors and outcomes
Other-imposed prophecies occur when one person's expectations for another influence the latter's behavior
Self-imposed prophecies involve an individual's own expectations for themselves
Self-fulfilling prophecies can lead to both positive and negative outcomes depending on the nature of the initial belief
The placebo effect is a well-documented instance of a self-fulfilling prophecy in healthcare, where a patient's belief in the efficacy of a treatment can lead to actual physiological improvements
The Pygmalion effect is an example of a self-fulfilling prophecy in education, where educators' expectations significantly influence students' academic performance
Expectations about a partner's fidelity can lead to behaviors that provoke the very issues feared, thereby confirming the original suspicions
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A ______ prophecy is when someone's expectations lead to actions that make the expected result more likely to happen.
self-fulfilling
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Initial Expectation Impact
Expectation influences behavior towards others, affecting their responses.
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Entrenchment of the Cycle
Repeated confirmation of expectations solidifies behaviors and outcomes.
