The Pygmalion Effect and Our Community: A Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

At Black Health Compass, we explore all aspects of wellness—mind, body, and spirit. This includes understanding the powerful psychological forces that shape our lives and health outcomes. Today, we’re diving into a concept known as the Pygmalion effect, and how it uniquely impacts the Black community.

The Pygmalion effect is a psychological phenomenon where high expectations lead to improved performance. It’s a type of self-fulfilling prophecy: when someone believes in our potential, their subtle cues and actions can empower us to rise and meet that belief. Conversely, low expectations can just as powerfully limit our potential, a phenomenon sometimes called the Golem effect.

This dynamic has been observed everywhere from classrooms, where a teacher’s belief in a student’s intelligence can boost their grades, to the workplace, where a manager’s confidence can unlock an employee’s productivity. It’s a powerful reminder that what others expect of us—and what we expect of ourselves—can become our reality.

The Pygmalion Effect in Our Community

For Black people, the Pygmalion effect is not just a psychological theory; it’s often a lived reality, deeply intertwined with the social and political determinants of health we discuss frequently. Our communities and individuals often face environments—be it in education, healthcare, or employment—that operate with negative or low expectations.

Think of the healthcare system: as mentioned in our focus groups, many of us have felt unheard or dismissed by doctors. This can be a form of the Golem effect, where a provider’s low expectations about our health literacy or ability to manage our health can lead to less thorough care. When a patient feels they won’t be taken seriously, they may delay seeking treatment, confirming the provider’s initial low expectation.

Similarly, in larger society, we often navigate spaces where our potential is questioned and our successes are viewed as exceptions. This can be a heavy burden. The constant fight against stereotypes and the pressure to over-perform to prove our worth can lead to chronic stress, which directly impacts our physical and mental health.

The key takeaway is that our environment can either lift us up or hold us back. It’s crucial to recognize these forces and actively seek out spaces and people that have high, positive expectations for us.

Finding Your “High Expectation” Tribe

The people you surround yourself with are vital. Your “village” can be a powerful antidote to low expectations and a strong catalyst for the Pygmalion effect in your own life.

• Seek out positive influences. Find friends, family, mentors, and community leaders who believe in your dreams and potential, and who actively encourage your growth. These individuals can be sources of strength and resilience.
• Engage with empowering organizations. Connect with groups like those in the Black Health Resource Directory that are dedicated to our upliftment. These organizations, often led by people with shared experiences, operate from a place of high expectations for our community’s success.
• Use shared language. In a world that often misinterprets or dismisses us, communicating with people who understand your lived experience can be profoundly healing and validating.

What to Do When Expectations Are Low at Home

Sometimes, the people closest to us—including our spouses—may not have the high expectations we need, whether due to their own past experiences or ingrained beliefs. This can be particularly painful. If you’re in a relationship where you feel your spouse or partner is not supporting your potential, here are some steps you can take:

1. Communicate Openly and Calmly: Express how their words or actions make you feel using “I” statements. Instead of saying, “You never believe in me,” try, “I feel discouraged when I hear that, because it’s something I’m passionate about.” This shifts the focus from blame to your emotions.
2. Set Clear Boundaries: Gently but firmly set a boundary about what you need. For example, “I need you to support me on this, even if you don’t fully understand it. If you can’t, I ask that you not talk about it.”
3. Find External Validation: Seek support from your “high expectation” tribe—your close friends, family, or a mentor who believes in you. This doesn’t mean hiding your pursuits from your spouse, but rather ensuring you have sources of encouragement that don’t depend solely on them.
4. Show, Don’t Just Tell: Demonstrate your commitment and progress through action. Let your hard work and achievements speak for themselves. Seeing your passion and success firsthand may shift their perspective over time.
5. Re-center on Self-Belief: The Pygmalion effect is powerful, but it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy that ultimately begins with you. Nurture your own self-belief and conviction. When you hold high expectations for yourself, you become your own most powerful advocate and can inspire others to rise to meet you.

The Pygmalion effect reminds us that our potential is not fixed; it is often shaped by the beliefs and expectations that surround us. By being mindful of this force and intentionally building a supportive network, we can create a powerful cycle of success and well-being for ourselves and our entire community.