Pygmalion effect is little risky because there is that element of looking down upon the opposite person's behaviour, context, habits, lifestyle from a certain high ground. It establishes a kind of teacher-pupil equation and hence not everyone will be taking the aspect of 'schooling' kindly. I think it can work in situations like parent-child because the opposite person implicitly buys into your high ground (of life experience, knowledge etc.). But in other cases, if the person doesn't truly appreciate your high ground (vantage point), it could go down on a slippery slope.
Yeah. I was referring to the Pygmalion effect only, wherein placing high expectations leads to improved results. The article I shared here asks us to be wary of Pygmalion effect in the context of couples because placing high expectations (which are based on one's own beliefs and ideals) on a spouse could lead to implied criticism (and resentment). For example: one partner (who might not have any drinking problem) might declare a goal like "I am going to quit drinking", when the real target is actually the spouse (to make spouse also quit). It could be read as some criticism (or taking some moral high ground) and a kind of goal hikacking, and becomes negatively associated with couple satisfaction.
I've heard, read and practised the positive power of expectations of the Pygmalion Effect. I was puzzled to see the detrimental side you quote....
Pygmalion effect is little risky because there is that element of looking down upon the opposite person's behaviour, context, habits, lifestyle from a certain high ground. It establishes a kind of teacher-pupil equation and hence not everyone will be taking the aspect of 'schooling' kindly. I think it can work in situations like parent-child because the opposite person implicitly buys into your high ground (of life experience, knowledge etc.). But in other cases, if the person doesn't truly appreciate your high ground (vantage point), it could go down on a slippery slope.
I'm not sure we are talking about the same phenomenon...check out the Rosenthal Effect aka the Pygmalion Effect.
Yeah. I was referring to the Pygmalion effect only, wherein placing high expectations leads to improved results. The article I shared here asks us to be wary of Pygmalion effect in the context of couples because placing high expectations (which are based on one's own beliefs and ideals) on a spouse could lead to implied criticism (and resentment). For example: one partner (who might not have any drinking problem) might declare a goal like "I am going to quit drinking", when the real target is actually the spouse (to make spouse also quit). It could be read as some criticism (or taking some moral high ground) and a kind of goal hikacking, and becomes negatively associated with couple satisfaction.
Good read! 👍
Glad you liked it 🙂