AAMC FL Practice Exam

What does self-fulfilling prophecy refer to?

1. A belief that causes itself to become true

2. A prediction that is proven incorrect over time

3. An assumption that is always wrong

4. A theory of self-concept development

The correct answer is: A belief that causes itself to become true

Self-fulfilling prophecy refers to a situation where a belief or expectation about an outcome leads to behaviors that ultimately make that expectation come true. This phenomenon occurs because individuals often unconsciously act in ways that align with their beliefs. For instance, if a teacher believes that a particular student is exceptionally gifted, they may provide more encouragement and attention to that student. As a result, the student may perform better and live up to the initial expectation. The essence of the self-fulfilling prophecy lies in the cycle of belief and action. The belief directly influences actions, which then lead to results that reaffirm the original belief. This concept is widely applicable in various fields such as psychology, education, and sociology, illustrating how perceptions can shape realities.