The Relationship Between Fortune Telling and Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

While there is a strong relationship between the two, there are clear distinctions between the two comcepts. The self-fulfilling prophecy and fortune telling are closely related but not the same. Here's how they differ, and how they connect:

Fortune Telling (Cognitive Distortion)

• Definition: A thought pattern where a person predicts something negative will happen, without actual evidence.

• Example:
  “I’ll definitely mess up this interview.”

• Origin: Internal assumption

• Core Issue: The belief itself is distorted and irrational.

• Focus: (negative prediction) Internal thought → negative prediction

• Function: Fuels anxiety, avoidance, and hopelessness

• Outcome: May or may not lead to action.

• Domain/Type: Cognitive distortions (CBT term) - thinking error

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy (Behavioral/Relational Cycle)

• Definition: A prediction (true or false) that causes someone to behave in a way that makes the prediction come true.

• Example:
  “They won’t like me, so I act distant or cold… and they end up not liking me.”

• Origin: Can be internal or external expectations.

• Core Issue: The belief shapes behavior, which then influences others or outcomes in a confirming way.

• Focus: (behavior that causes predicted outcome) Belief → behavior → outcome → confirmation

• Function: Reinforces original (often negative) expectation

• Outcome: Leads to action that confirms the belief

• Domain/Type: Psychology/sociology - behavioral pattern with real-world effect

How They Work Together

Fortune telling often leads to a self-fulfilling prophecy.

For instance:

1. Thought: “I’ll fail this exam.” (fortune telling)

2. Emotion: Hopelessness, anxiety

3. Behavior: Don’t study → actually fail

4. Outcome: “See? I was right.” (self-fulfilling prophecy)

Contact Bee Blissful today if you find yourself stuck in negative thought and behavior patterns.