The Power of Expectations The Rosenthal Effect in Rehabilitation

The Pygmalion Effect in rehabilitation emphasizes the influence of therapist expectations on patient outcomes. When therapists hold positive expectations for their patients' recovery, these beliefs can significantly enhance patients' motivation, adherence to treatment, and functional recovery. This phenomenon is closely related to self-efficacy (Bandura, 1977), where an individual's belief in their own ability to achieve success is reinforced by the therapist’s confidence in them. The therapist’s expectations act as a psychological motivator, fostering improved outcomes, particularly in contexts such as physical therapy and rehabilitation.