Looking back to predict the future: a review of empirical support for the self-fulfilling prophecy

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study is to systematically review the scholarly literature on the self-fulfilling prophecy and identify the theoretical and methodological gaps in the literature as a foundation to encourage future research. Design/methodology/approach To develop a theoretical framework for self-fulfilling prophecy research, each empirical article published in a peer-reviewed journal from January 2001 to October 2022 was retrieved using EBSCO’s Business Source Premier database. The keywords “self-fulfilling prophecy,” “Galatea effect,” “Golem effect” and “Pygmalion effect” were used in the Abstract of articles to conduct this literature review. Findings The authors developed a 2 × 2 framework that distinguishes self-fulfilling prophecies based on whether they are initiated internally or externally and whether positive or negative outcomes result. The authors then introduce what we label the Eyeore effect. The resulting framework helps identify the need for more research on the golem, Galatea and Eyeore effect. Research limitations/implications This review is limited because the authors only reviewed peer-reviewed empirical articles in the English language. Originality/value This work provides a meaningful framework to synthesize the types of self-fulfilling prophecies and systematically reviews the state of the literature, as a springboard to identify and encourage fruitful areas of future research.