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Writer's pictureThayne Bukowski

The Pygmalion Effect


The Pygmalion Effect


“When we expect certain behaviors of others, we are likely to act in ways that make the expected behavior more likely to occur” (Rosenthal & Babad, 1985)


The psychosocial phenomenon that is the self-fulfilling prophecy‼️


High Expectations = High Performance

Low Expectations = Low Performance


Use the Pygmalion Effect to instill confidence in youth athletes


If a coach sets high expectations for their athletes and believes in them, this effect states that the athlete will work harder and believe in themselves too. Every kid wants their coach to believe in what they can do, and with this support the kid will be confident themselves. This effect works both ways. If the coach doesn’t believe in the kids they won’t have any confidence and will play timid. Playing timid leads to poor performance and even less self confidence. It’s necessary to set high expectations and give the athletes confidence. Athletes that play with confidence are fearless & hard to beat


Brian Dawkins wasn’t afraid of anyone or anything & that made him one of the most feared players in the NFL. He was raised to have this confidence in his ability to play football and it was manifested on the field

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