Pygmalion effect

English

Etymology

Named after the book Pygmalion in the Classroom (1968) by Robert Rosenthal and Lenore Jacobson, which in turn takes its name from the mythological figure Pygmalion, a sculptor who fell in love with his own creation.

Noun

Pygmalion effect (plural Pygmalion effects)

1. The phenomenon whereby higher expectations placed upon a person or group lead to improved performance.

Synonyms

• Rosenthal effect

Coordinate terms

• Golem effect

See also

• self-fulfilling prophecy
• Michelangelo phenomenon