Did you know that what you expect influences your behaviour? According to recently-published research, if you believe a glass of wine will help you relax, you will think and act in ways to achieve that outcome. Likewise, popping a paracetamol might have more to do with the power of suggestion than the pill’s properties.
What did the research involve?
The extensive research, conducted by scientists Maryanne Garry, Robert Michael and Irving Kirsch, was recently published in the journal Directions of Psychological Science.
The article investigated the power of suggestion and analysed the link between suggestion, cognition and the way we behave. Throughout their careers, the researchers have investigated the effects of suggestion, particularly on our memory.
They concluded that suggestion can influence how well we perform on memory and learning activities, what products we like and how we respond to medicine. They believe this can account for the placebo effect.
Imagine a shy person attending a large party. If she believes a glass of wine will help her relax and be more sociable, she will more likely ‘work the room’, approach strangers and have less inhibition. By assuming the wine will make her more outgoing, she starts to act in that way and bring the desired outcome to fruition.
Interestingly, the science also found that making someone feel special or acknowledging their hard work (known as unintentional suggestion) can influence them to work even harder.
What’s next?
Kirsch, Garry and Michael admit there is still much to learn about suggestion at its relationship with behaviour and cognition. They question how researchers will be able to determine what is a legitimate treatment and what is simply a suggestion.
There’s certainly a lot to be said for the power of suggestion. Garry even observes, “If we can harness the power of suggestion, we can improve people’s lives.”
In the meantime, the next time you reach for a glass of wine or buy a product, ask yourself if you’re already anticipating the outcome. You might just be surprised by the result. Or, perhaps not!
