What is a self-fulfilling prophecy in psychology?

Self-fulfilling prophecy in psychology is a phenomenon that points out how beliefs and expectations can shape a person's reality. This concept involves the manifestation of a situation simply because an individual believes it will occur.

If you are interested in delving deeper into this topic and all that surrounds it, programmes such as the degree in Pscyhology in Madrid or degree in Psychology in Valencia are a good resource to do so. But, to make it clear what we are talking about, in this article we will explore this phenomenon, the factors that condition it, its consequences and strategies to avoid its psychological impact.

How a self-fulfilling prophecy is created

A self-fulfilling prophecy begins with an expectation or belief, either positive or negative, that can influence a person's behaviour in a way that leads to confirmation of the initial hunch. 

For example, if someone strongly believes that they will fail at a task, their anxiety and lack of confidence is likely to affect their performance, so that the prophecy would be fulfilled. This phenomenon can apply to a variety of situations, from academic performance to interpersonal relationships.

Factors that condition self-fulfilling prophecy

There are many elements that can condition the self-fulfilling prophecy, and it is essential to understand them in order to tackle this phenomenon effectively. These are some of the factors that influence this phenomenon:

• Beliefs and expectations: initial beliefs and expectations are the starting point of the self-fulfilling prophecy. They may be rooted in previous experiences, prejudices or even external suggestions.
• Verbal and non-verbal communication: the way the expectation is communicated can significantly affect how it is perceived and thus how it is fulfilled. Words, facial expressions and tone of voice can all have an effect on a person's response.
• Social interaction: The self-fulfilling prophecy often manifests itself in social interactions. If someone perceives that others expect a certain behaviour from them, they are more likely to act in a manner consistent with those expectations.

Consequences of a self-fulfilling prophecy

The consequences of a self-fulfilling prophecy can be significant and affect various aspects of a person's life. However, broadly speaking, we can point to two areas that are particularly affected:

• Academic and work performance: in educational or work settings, expectations can influence performance. A negative prophecy can lead to decreased performance, while a positive prophecy can motivate and improve results.
• Interpersonal relationships: Beliefs and expectations can shape a person's relational dynamics. If someone expects a relationship to be problematic, they are more likely to act in ways that lead to conflict.

Ways to avoid self-fulfilling prophecy in psychology

Preventing the self-fulfilling prophecy involves becoming aware of having these thoughts that may not be real. There are different techniques to adopt this thinking:

• Self-awareness: recognising negative beliefs and expectations is the first step to avoid their impact. Self-awareness allows you to question and change harmful thought patterns.
• Positive reframing: challenging and reframing negative beliefs with positive affirmations can change the perspective and alter the course of action.
• Psychological support: Seeking support from psychological professionals can be an essential step in ridding yourself of a self-fulfilling prophecy. For example, a general health psychologist can provide tools and strategies for overcoming negative thought patterns.

The Pygmalion effect and self-fulfilling prophecies

The counterpoint to a self-fulfilling prophecy is the Pygmalion effect. This psychological phenomenon manifests itself when the beliefs of one person about another have a direct impact on the actions and achievements of the person in question. 

Imagine a scenario in education: a teacher who firmly believes that a student has great potential. This positive expectation is reflected in his behaviour towards the student: he will give him more attention, encouragement and learning opportunities. As a result, the student will absorb these positive expectations and, motivated by the trust placed in him/her, will perform better than expected.

The Pygmalion effect highlights how the beliefs and expectations of others can become a powerful driving force, triggering a cycle of success that validates initial prophecies. This phenomenon underlines the importance of social interactions and the determining role of perception in the reality that is created. In the educational and work environment, understanding and consciously applying the Pygmalion effect can foster continued growth and healthy self-esteem.

As we can see, the self-fulfilling prophecy highlights the powerful connection between beliefs and outcomes in psychology. By understanding how this phenomenon works and applying strategies to avoid its negative impact, we can boost people's psychological well-being. If you want to study Psychology, check out the academic offer of the Universidad Europea and explore the many branches of this science.