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Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

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More often than not, the outcomes of events that occur in a person's life is the product of the idea of the self-fulfilling prophecy. It is that which "occurs when a person's expectations of an event make the outcome more likely to occur than would otherwise have been true" (Adler and Towne, Looking Out, Looking In 66). Or restated, as Henry Ford once put it, "If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you're right!" This brief research paper touches on the two types of self-fulfilling prophecies, those that are self-imposed and those that are imposed by others. Additionally, it gives a discussion on how great of an influence it is in each person's life, both positively and negatively, and how it consequently helps to mold …show more content…

In the same way, believing you'll do well in a job interview when you're clearly not qualified for the position is unrealistic. Similarly, there will probably be people you don't like and occasions you won't enjoy, no matter what your attitude. To connect the self-fulfilling prophecy with the ‘power of positive thinking' is an oversimplification. (Looking Out, Looking In 70)
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<br>Additionally, that "to a great extent, we are what we believe we are" (Looking Out, Looking In 71).
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<br>Next, consider self-fulfilling prophecies imposed by others. Or restated, those thoughts about one's self that are consequential of others communicated beliefs. Take for example, the case presented by some psychologists in their study of whether catharsis, aggression and persuasive influence are self-fulfilling or self-defeating prophecies. In the particular section in the article, the authors speak of how in one scenario:
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<br>People would be persuaded that catharsis effects are real and effective and would act on these beliefs. When angry, they would believe that the best response would be to express this anger, possibly against a surrogate (displaced) target. These beliefs might actually help them perceive beneficial effects that have eluded laboratory researchers. That is, the expectation that catharsis relaxes the person and reduces subsequent

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