Sometimes the answer to a niggling question lies next door and yet we go searching halfway around the world to find it.
For ages the key to our health and happiness stared right in front of us, but we were engaged in an externally focused journey. We created many new sciences and technologies which created their own momentum and propelled us in a direction far removed from who we actually are. An example of our neglect is our ignorance about three powerful forces or effects in the universe - Placebo effect, Pygmalion effect and Hawthorne effect (all related to one another).
Placebo effect: A belief by an individual about the efficacy of a course of treatment and the nature of the person administering the treatment has an impact on the client irrespective of what the treatment is. For example, if a sugar pill is administered in a very compassionate and caring environment to an individual, it has the effect of curing the condition for which a drug was to be administered. In most situations, the effect of the placebo is around 3o-4o%. In some situations and certain environments the impact can be much higher.
Pygmalion effect: Mere expression of confidence and belief in the other individual makes the other person exhibit their best behavior. For example, a belief that a particular individual is very talented, makes them exhibit much greater potential and talent.
Hawthorne effect: The intention of a study carried out on a set of individuals impacts the actual end result. For example, if an experiment is being carried out to determine if bright yellow light increases productivity, the mere fact that this is being studied makes the individuals more productive under bright yellow light.
This story is from the January 2019 edition of STAYFIT.
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This story is from the January 2019 edition of STAYFIT.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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