SELF-FULFILLING PROPHECIES IN THE CLINICAL CONTEXT - REVIEW AND IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL-PRACTICE

The expectancies a therapist and client bring into the clinical relati onship can act as self-fulfilling prophecies. This article reviews the literature bearing on three types of self-fulfilling prophecies in a clinical context. First, I look at how the initial expectancies held b y a therapist may bias the diagnosis and treatment of the client. Seco nd, I look at the client's own self-expectancies for improvement and h ow they can enhance or impede progress. Last, I look at how receiving mental health treatment may be regarded as a stigma by others, resulti ng in negative social interactions for the client. For each of these d omains, practical examples and implications are discussed, and suggest ions are offered to therapists for how they can avoid or minimize dama ging effects of negative self-fulfilling prophecies.