Question

Why changing the behaviour is an effective way to fight self fulfilling prophecies

Answer 1

The effects of self-fulfilling prophecies become apparent because the beliefs and expectations of individuals subtly influence their behaviours such that they act in accordance to the same. For example, if a teacher believes that a set of students are likely to display high academic performance in their later years, it is observed that she would behave in ways that would promote better academic results for these students, such as by paying greater attention to them than others. In this way, if behaviours themselves are changed, there beliefs and expectations associated with the prophecy do not materialise to have an impact on other individuals.