Self-fulfilling Prophecies

Definition

A self-fulfilling prophecy is a prediction that directly or indirectly causes itself to become true due to the positive feedback between belief and behavior.

Related terms

Expectancy Theory:

This theory suggests that our behaviors are motivated by what we expect as the outcome. In other words, if we expect a certain result, we will behave in a way that should lead to those results.

Confirmation Bias:

This is a tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms one's preexisting beliefs or hypotheses while giving disproportionately less consideration to alternative possibilities.

Stereotype Threat:

This refers to being at risk of confirming negative stereotypes about one's group. It can lead individuals to perform below their potential which then appears to confirm the stereotype - another form of self-fulfilling prophecy.