What does the concept of "self-fulfilling prophecy" refer to?

The concept of "self-fulfilling prophecy" refers to a belief or expectation that influences an individual's behavior in such a way that it ultimately leads to the fulfillment of that belief or expectation. In this context, it originates from the idea that if people believe something will happen, their actions may unconsciously steer outcomes to match those expectations. For example, if a teacher expects a student to excel, the teacher may provide more support and encouragement, which in turn boosts the student's performance, fulfilling the teacher's original expectation.

This phenomenon can be observed across various social scenarios, including education, workplace dynamics, and interpersonal relationships, highlighting the significant power of perception and belief in shaping reality. The other answer choices do not accurately capture the essence of self-fulfilling prophecies, as they either misinterpret the concept or focus on different psychological theories.