Self Fulfilling Prophecy

This term was used in the speech contest at my club yesterday and I am spurred on to read more about it. 

There are 2 important self fulfilling prophecy theories ,both are premised on the power of expectations .

While the Pygmalion effect is based on people's  expectation of others , the Galatea effect is rooted in self expectation . It can be said that people believing in other people's capability  or  an idividual believing about  oneself works .

  Galatea effect 
What one can accomplish is really driven by what one thinks one can. The person has a strong sense of worth , has faith in his /her own capabilities , sets high goals and is highly motivated to perform well . He / she is optimistic and the positively biased optimism thus creates an upward spiral in terms of zest , energy ,drive ,  confidence and a whole lot of other attritbutes  needed for achieving  the desired outcomes.

It can easily be imagined that if such individual were  to receive further encouragement / praises from people around him/her , it would do wonders to his/her performance . 

Pygmalion Effect (Rosenthal Effect ) 
This is a phenomenon in which the higher the expectation placed on people , the better  is their performance .

The original study of this effect was in the context of teacher's expectations of students . It was observed that students who were expected to do well ACTUALLY performed well while those who were not expected to perform well did not .

If high expectation is placed on people  and if this expectation is  conveyed   clearly  , he/she will strive to live up to the expectation.   

Golem Effect 
This is the opposite to the above . It happens when a superior's prejudices or negative impressions are communicated , even in the most subtle manner ,will lead to poorer performance by the individual .

To me , the horse is a mystical creature, a nomadic prey animal that has a primal defense system. Even in the sweltering heat of summer, my friend and I have to coax and to a certain extent , forced her horse into drinking , to stay hydrated but it was totally uncoperative. No amount of coaxing and sweet talking could sway its 'decision'; it would drink when it was good and ready. Based on the experience, I am convinced that one  can't force a horse to drink.

More generally,the proverb is used in the senses of " there's only so much you can do" or "people will do what they want to do " or " you can't help people who dont want to be helped"

As well intended as we are in helping others, whether in creating opportunities or opening the door for them , we have to bear in mind that the choice to grab the opportunity has to be their own . Do not convince against his will for he would still be of the same opinion and worse still if he becomes resentful about being pursuaded against his will.

Give help to others but do not expect too much ,it only adds to our suffering and frustration. Expectation is the root of heartaches.