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Self-fulfilling prophecy

🧠 Psychology By CampusDown Wiki Editorial Team Last updated
A self-fulfilling prophecy is a false belief or expectation that changes behaviour so that it eventually comes true (Merton, 1948).
Contents
  1. 1. Overview
  2. 2. Frequently asked questions
  3. 3. References

Overview

Merton (1948) built on the Thomas theorem (“situations defined as real are real in their consequences”). His example: a rumour of insolvency triggers a bank run that ruins a sound bank. Related: Pygmalion effect, labelling theory.

Frequently asked questions

Can it be positive?
Yes.

References

  1. Merton, R. K. (1948). The self-fulfilling prophecy. The Antioch Review, 8(2), 193–210.
  2. Thomas, W. I., & Thomas, D. S. (1928). The Child in America. Knopf.
  3. Rosenthal, R., & Jacobson, L. (1968). Pygmalion in the Classroom. Holt, Rinehart and Winston.

Reports and materials that use this theory (Korean)

There are no materials dedicated to this theory yet, but you can search related reports in the CampusDown library (Korean).

Find more reports · Search '자기충족적 예언' on CampusDown →
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This article was last updated on October 24, 2026. It is based on widely recognized original works and textbooks; when citing it in a paper, please check the original sources listed in the references.