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MENTAL MODEL · M1843

Golem Effect

Golem Effect
BehaviorHigh supportPsychology
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

The opposite of the Pygmalion effect: when others hold low expectations of you, you unconsciously conform, and your performance indeed deteriorates, forming a negative self-fulfilling prophecy.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

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A self-fulfilling prophecy where low expectations lead to worse performance.

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The Golem effect is the opposite of the Pygmalion effect: when managers/teachers have low expectations of someone, they convey low expectations through subtle attitudes and behaviors, causing the person's performance to actually decline. The name is taken from the passive clay figure 'Golem' in Jewish legend.

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golem_effectZH · Explicit
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