Pygmalion effect: in love, at school, what is it?

The Pygmalion effect, a positive counterpart togolem effecttranslates to better performances following a potential judged as “superior” by a authority (a parent, a teacher, a boss etc). The idea that this authority has of us is internalized and transcribed by ourselves into reality. The Pygmalion effect promotes kindness and the confidence in our relationships (couple, work, family). It’s what ? Who invented the Pygmalion effect? What is its effect on school ? In love ? How the develop ?

Definition: what is the Pygmalion effect?

The Pygmalion effect is a self-fulfilling prophecy that improves an individual’s performance if a person “of authority” believes in its success. “It’s a postulate that comes from someone else, that we believe and that allows us to grow“says Béatrice Millêtre, psychologist. That’s what we call a positive placebo effect. It is a belief coming from others which will boost your abilities. You will not express something you are not capable of but this belief gives you the confidence to achieve something“explains the psychologist. For example, a manager who tells his teams “I trust you in this task” will make employees more independent. As with the Golem effect, the individual will interpret details as validating the positive belief.

“It’s a belief that will boost your abilities”

Who invented the Pygmalion effect?

The term Pygmalion effect has its roots in the Greek mythology. The sculptor Pygmalion falls in love with his creation, a statue that comes to life thanks to Aphrodite (goddess of love) who grants Pygmalion’s wish. The Pygmalion effect, like its negative bias the Golem effect, were highlighted in the 1960s by the American psychologist Robert Rosenthal.

What is the Pygmalion effect at school?

“Studies have shown that by tricking children into thinking they have a bigger intelligence quotient (IQ) than reality, they obtained better results. Believing in your abilities allows you to express the best of them” says the psychologist. “Encouraging students, conveying to them that they are trusted will promote their success. For example, a teacher who says to his student “you have potential“.

What is the Pygmalion effect in love?

“It’s the effect placebo positive: I believe it will work, so it works” replies Dr. Millêtre. “For example, if your spouse says to you: “I know that you are organized and that you know how to tidy the house” then you will be organized and you will validate this theory by details which will allow you to see what is tidy rather than what is messy” develops our expert. This phenomenon establishes caring and trusting relationships. If you encourage your companion, he will internalize your belief in his abilities.

To achieve relationships of trust with others, we can encourage others, give them compliments. “Believing in their ability and accepting them as they are to help them express the best of themselves. In management or teaching, value the skills and successes of employees/students rather than their failures. This will also promote the autonomy of individuals. A parent or spouse can encourage the other by saying little phrases such as “you have potential” or “I believe in you” “concludes our interlocutor.

Thanks to Dr Béatrice Millêtre, psychologist.