The pygmalion effect – what it is

Date of the last update: 24.04.2025

This paradoxical name — the Pygmalion effect — refers to a psychological phenomenon that has a significant impact on our lives, both personally and professionally. Although it may seem abstract, it accompanies us every day, shaping our expectations, behaviors, and relationships with others.

Table of contents:

1. What is the Pygmalion Effect?
2. How does the Pygmalion Effect work?
3. Why is it worth using the Pygmalion Effect?
4. Discover the benefits!
5. Where is it worth using the Pygmalion Effect?
6. Summary

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What is the Pygmalion Effect?

The Pygmalion Effect is a psychological phenomenon in which one person’s expectations of another person influence the behavior of the other person. In other words, when someone believes that another person will behave in a certain way, that person often actually behaves according to those expectations. 

The Pygmalion Effect describes a situation in which expectations become a self-fulfilling prophecy because the behavior of the other person confirms the initial expectations. This phenomenon occurs in various spheres of life, such as school, work, or personal relationships, and can have a significant impact on our daily interactions. 

How does the Pygmalion Effect work

The Pygmalion Effect can operate on various levels, but its mechanism is usually similar. In short, the process looks like this: 

1. Expectations – a person or group of people (e.g., a teacher, supervisor) has specific expectations regarding the behavior or achievements of another person (e.g., a student, employee). 
2. Nonverbal communication – these expectations may be expressed through nonverbal communication, such as tone of voice, facial expressions, or gestures. 
3. Reaction of the other person – the other person perceives these signals and subconsciously reacts to them, adjusting their behavior to the expectations. 
4. Confirmation of expectations – as a result, the behavior of the other person confirms the initial expectations, creating a closed loop of a self-fulfilling prophecy. 

Why is it worth using the Pygmalion Effect?

Utilizing the Pygmalion Effect can contribute to improving relationships between people by creating a positive work or learning environment. Motivating others to achieve success by expressing positive expectations can increase their self-esteem and self-confidence. Consciously shaping our own attitudes and expectations can lead to better results and build a positive influence on others. Using the Pygmalion Effect also helps to understand the importance of our approach and beliefs in shaping the behavior and achievements of others. 

Discover the benefits!

The Pygmalion Effect, also known as the self-fulfilling prophecy, has many advantages and positive consequences, including:

1. Motivation for achievement – the Pygmalion Effect can motivate individuals to achieve better results by expressing positive expectations towards them. 
2. Improved effectiveness – when people feel that others believe in their abilities, they are more willing to make an effort, which can lead to increased effectiveness and productivity. 
3. Increased self-esteem – positive expectations reinforce feelings of self-worth and self-belief, which can lead to increased self-confidence and improved self-esteem. 
4. Building positive relationships – the Pygmalion Effect can build stronger interpersonal bonds because expressing support and belief in someone can strengthen interpersonal relationships. 
5. Development of potential -by directing positive expectations and support towards others, we can help them develop their potential and achieve success they wouldn’t be able to achieve independently. 

Where is it worth using the Pygmalion Effect?

The effect can be particularly useful in: 

1. In the workplace – by expressing positive expectations towards employees, we can motivate them to achieve better results. Supervisors can use this effect to increase team engagement and effectiveness. 
2. In schools – teachers can use the Pygmalion Effect to motivate students to achieve academic success. By expressing faith in their abilities, they can contribute to increased self-esteem and improved academic performance. 
3. In sports – coaches have the opportunity to use this effect to motivate athletes to achieve better results. By expressing belief in their abilities, they can help athletes overcome challenges and achieve goals. 
4. In personal life – in interpersonal relationships, such as family or friends, we can use the Pygmalion Effect to support each other and reinforce positive behaviors. By expressing support and belief in someone’s potential, we can build a positive atmosphere and strengthen emotional bonds. 

Explore more: Psychology

Summary

The Pygmalion Effect is a psychological phenomenon that has a significant impact on our lives, shaping our expectations, behaviors, and relationships with others. It can be used in various areas of life, such as work, school, sports, or personal life, to motivate others to achieve success and strengthen interpersonal bonds. Understanding this phenomenon helps us better manage relationships, motivate others to achieve better results, and consciously shape our own attitudes and expectations. In this way, the Pygmalion Effect contributes to building a positive environment, increasing effectiveness, self-esteem, and the development of potential for both individuals and groups. 

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