We are accustomed to thinking that we act based on our own abilities, efforts, and decisions. However, psychological research shows that our behavior and outcomes are often influenced not so much by objective factors but by the expectations of others. This phenomenon is called the Rosenthal effect. Read more about what it is in the Rambler article.
The Rosenthal effect is one of the most studied and underappreciated mechanisms in social psychology.
This is not about suggestion or manipulation in the literal sense, but about the attitudes, predictions and even fleeting judgments of others gradually shaping the reality that we begin to behave “in accordance with expectations”.
How does the Rosenthal effect take place?
This phenomenon is named in honor of psychologist Robert Rosenthal, who in the 1960s, together with educator Lenore Jacobson, conducted an experiment that later revolutionized the idea of \u200b\u200bthe influence of other people's expectations. In one American school, teachers were told that, based on tests, they could identify students with high intellectual potential. In fact, the children on this list were selected at random.
After a few months, these same students showed marked improvement in their academic performance. The children's real abilities have not changed – the teacher's attitude has changed: more caring, more patient, more supportive. These micro-signals are enough to change children's own behavior and their outcomes.
What is the power of expectation?
The main characteristic of the Rosenthal effect lies in unconsciousness. People rarely intentionally push others toward success or failure. This often happens through subtle behavioral signals: intonation, facial expressions, choice of words, level of trust, desire to help or, conversely, distancing oneself. So, a person who is expected to succeed will receive:
- more opportunities to express yourself;
- react more gently to mistakes;
- positive feedback.
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In response, he became more confident, more motivated and actually showed better results. The same mechanism works in the opposite direction – with low expectations.
The Golem Effect: The Dark Side of Expectations
A negative form of the Rosenthal effect is called the Golem effect. If others initially consider a person incompetent, problematic or weak, this also begins to be reflected in their behavior and attitude towards him.
When a person is not trusted, is not given big tasks and is often criticized, his motivation decreases, mistakes occur more often, which ultimately confirms the initial opinion of others. This creates a vicious cycle that is difficult to break.
Impact on career
Although the Rosenthal effect was first studied in educational settings, today it is actively researched in organizations and businesses. Manager expectations directly affect employee performance. Employees who are expected to perform well are more likely to be entrusted with more complex tasks and given more autonomy and growth opportunities.
This does not mean expecting to “produce” talent. However, they determine the conditions under which this talent will be revealed or suppressed. Even a neutral attitude is often less effective than a moderately positive expectation.
Parental expectations and child personality
In family systems, the Rosenthal effect is especially acute. Parents, without realizing it, convey their attitudes to their children from an early age: “you are capable”, “you are complicated”, “you are irresponsible”, “you are a talkative person”, “you are a humanitarian”. Over time, the child begins to see these judgments as part of his or her identity.
It is important that in this context we are talking about the long-term impact on a person in the future: on his self-confidence and willingness to try new things. That's why psychologists increasingly talk about the need to use labels carefully – even positive ones, the publisher clarifies. Forbes.
Expectations in relationships and social life
The Rosenthal effect extends to partnerships and friendships. So, for example, if a woman considers a man responsible, trustworthy, emotionally mature and trusts him, then it will be easier for him to fulfill this role. If he is considered childish, this expectation begins to become inherent in the communication dynamic.
Social psychology shows that people tend to conform to who they are perceived to be, especially in important relationships. This explains why environmental changes sometimes lead to drastic changes in personality without any internal transformation.
Where is the line between expectations and pressure?
It is important to distinguish the Rosenthal effect from imposed perfectionism. Expectations only work when they:
- reality;
- not accompanied by threats of punishment;
- Make room for mistakes.
If the expectation becomes a rigid requirement, the effect can be the opposite – anxiety and reduced results. This is why modern research emphasizes that supportive expectations are more effective than controlling ones.
The Rosenthal effect thus demonstrates that we are constantly responding to signals from others – even when we think we are completely autonomous. Expectations don't have magical powers, but they can subtly change the context in which we make decisions, make mistakes, and achieve results.
Understanding this mechanism is important not only for psychologists and educators. It will be useful to everyone who interacts with people in one form or another. Consciously forming positive expectations – in training, management, education – allows you to create conditions for a person to quickly reveal his or her potential.
We talked about it before the effects of self-sabotage, whereby we prevent ourselves from achieving our goals.
