självfyllande

Självfyllande is a Swedish term that translates to "self-filling" or "self-sustaining." It is most commonly used in the context of prophecies or predictions. A självfyllande prophecy is a prediction that directly or indirectly causes itself to become true, due to the reaction of the observer or the subject of the prophecy to the prediction.

The concept is distinct from a self-defeating prophecy, where a prediction causes actions that prevent its own fulfillment. In a självfyllande prophecy, the belief in the prediction itself is the catalyst for its realization. This can occur through various psychological and sociological mechanisms. For example, if someone is predicted to fail an exam, their anxiety and belief in the prediction might lead them to study less or perform poorly, thus fulfilling the prophecy. Conversely, if someone is predicted to succeed, the confidence and motivation gained from that prediction might lead them to work harder and achieve success.

The term is often applied to social and economic phenomena. For instance, a belief that a certain company's stock will fall might cause investors to sell their shares, leading to a decrease in the stock price and thus fulfilling the initial prediction. Similarly, a rumor of a bank run can instigate a bank run. The underlying principle is that human behavior, influenced by expectations and beliefs, can actively shape outcomes. Understanding the dynamics of självfyllande prophecies is important in fields such as psychology, sociology, economics, and even politics, as it highlights the powerful role of perception and expectation in influencing real-world events.