Expecting a Certain Outcome Makes It More Likely to Happen
A self-fulfilling prophecy is an expectation or belief that can influence your behavior, thus causing the belief to come true. Research shows that merely expecting a certain outcome increases the chance that it will happen. For example, studies have shown that reminding someone they might forget something can actually increase the likelihood of them forgetting it. It is remarkable how easily our minds can be influenced. This phenomenon can have both positive and negative effects, depending on the nature of the expectations. The phenomenon in which higher expectations lead to an increase in performance has been labeled the Pygmalion effect. To sum up, the Pygmalion effect describes situations in which our high expectations improve our behavior and, therefore, our performance in a given area. This suggests that we perform better when higher expectations are set for us.
The Pygmalion Effect: How Expectations Shape Our Performance
The Pygmalion effect occurs due to our social nature and how we are influenced by our own and others’ expectations. When we have high expectations for an individual, we tend to support them more in order to help them achieve that success. Furthermore, if we believe that someone has high expectations for us, we are more likely to work harder to meet those expectations. This is because expectations act as a prophecy, which motivates us to work harder.
The Pygmalion effect is a circular mechanism that acts as a self-fulfilling prophecy. For example, imagine a chef named Alex who is just starting out. The head chef believes Alex has great potential and provides him with special training and encouragement. Because of this support, Alex starts to believe in himself and works harder in the kitchen. As Alex improves, the head chef’s belief in him grows even stronger, which further boosts Alex’s confidence and motivation. This creates a positive feedback loop where Alex’s success continues to build, driven by the head chef’s initial belief. This example shows how others' expectations can lead to remarkable achievements, turning belief into reality through supportive actions.
A Study Conducted by Professor Robert Rosenthal
In a study conducted by Professor Robert Rosenthal, he observed how teachers’ expectations influenced the performance of their students. He selected a group of students at random and informed their teachers that these students were academically gifted and had the potential to succeed in their classes.
Over time, the teachers began to treat these students differently by giving them more opportunities to participate in class, being more supportive, and providing positive responses. The study showed that positive teacher expectations significantly impacted students’ academic success, likely by enhancing their motivation and potential. The study showed that positive teacher expectations significantly impacted students’ academic success, likely by enhancing their motivation and potential.
This study highlights the teachers’ affecting the students’ academic success through supportive and positive expectations. When teachers believe in their students’ abilities and potential, they can provide them with the necessary support and encouragement to excel.
Overcoming Challenges: Jessica Long’s Story
One inspiring example of a disabled person overcoming difficulties due to high expectations from others is the story of Jessica Long, a Paralympic swimmer. Born in Siberia without bones in her lower legs, Jessica was adopted by an American family when she was 13 months old. Her adoptive parents' belief in her potential led them to encourage her to pursue swimming.
Despite facing many physical and emotional challenges, Jessica persevered and became one of the most decorated Paralympic swimmers in history, winning 23 medals including 13 golds. Her parents' high expectations of her pushed her to achieve more than she thought possible. Jessica's story is a powerful example of the Pygmalion effect, where a person's success is influenced by the expectations of those around them.
By supporting her ambitions financially, Jessica's family helped her to overcome her disabilities and achieve her dreams. Her story is a reminder that with the right mindset and support, anyone can achieve greatness.