What is the phenomenon where an individual's expectations can influence the likelihood of those expectations coming true?

The phenomenon where an individual's expectations influence the likelihood of those expectations becoming reality is known as a self-fulfilling prophecy. This concept occurs when a person's belief or expectation about a situation or behavior leads to the fulfillment of that expectation. For instance, if someone believes they will succeed in a task, their confidence may lead them to perform better, thereby increasing the likelihood of success. This cycle reinforces their original belief, demonstrating the power of expectations in shaping outcomes.

The other terms relate to expectations and social behavior but in different contexts. Stereotype threat refers to the risk of confirming negative stereotypes about one's group, which can impact performance but does not center on personal expectations influencing reality in the same way. Self-esteem refers to an individual's perceived self-worth and confidence but does not specifically describe the mechanism of expectations leading to actual outcomes. Role expectations are the social norms and behaviors expected from individuals in specific roles, which are different from the concept of personal expectations driving behavior and outcomes.