James is eight. His siblings call him a delinquent because he's started getting in trouble at school. His mother often tells him how much he looks like his father, who is serving a ten year sentence. As a result, he views himself as a "bad kid" who will end up in prison like his father. Which of the following best describes this scenario?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This scenario is an example of a self-fulfilling prophecy, where James starts to identify with the negative label given to him and behaves in ways that confirm that label, potentially leading him to fulfill the prediction of becoming like his father.

James Is Eight