In psychology, the label effect refers to an individual’s tendency to adjust their behavior in the way defined by this label after being assigned a specific label. Using this effect rationally can not only stimulate personal potential, but also improve learning and work efficiency. This article will explore the psychological principles, actual cases, coping strategies of labeling effect and how to use it to improve learning effectiveness.
What is the tag effect
Tag effect refers to a person who is given a certain title or label and will tend to shape his behavior according to the characteristics defined by the label. This phenomenon stems from the individual’s adjustment of self-identity and the guiding role of labels on psychology.
Psychological study of label effect
American psychologist Beckol once proposed: ‘Once people are given a certain name, they become people defined by names.’ During World War II, he verified the impact of the label effect through an experiment.
During the experiment, a group of poorly performed and lacking discipline was asked to write monthly letters to their families describing how they abide by discipline, obey commands, and fight bravely on the front line. Half a year later, the behavior of these soldiers did undergo significant improvements, demonstrating the guiding role of labels on individual behavior.
From a psychological point of view, the reason why the labeling effect occurs is because the label has a qualitatively oriented function. Whether positive or negative labels, they will profoundly affect the individual’s self-identity and make their behavior develop in the direction of label suggestion.
Positive and negative effects of tag effects
Psychologist Claut also conducted related experiments. He had a group of participants make charitable donations and gave them the label of “charitable person” or “uncharitable person” based on their actions. Subsequently, the experimenters invited these people to donate again, and found that:
- Participants known as “charity people” are more willing to donate than those who are not labeled.
- Participants called “uncharitable people” donated fewer than those who were not labeled.
This study shows that labels can reinforce behavior and make individuals tend to act according to the characteristics defined by the label. Therefore, the labeling effect has both positive effects and may also have negative consequences.
How to deal with the label effect
In life, we often encounter labels from others or ourselves. So, how can we correctly deal with the label effect?
Face the labels given by others
- Actively accept positive labels: When others give you positive evaluations, such as ‘motivated people’ or ‘smart people’, you can use them as a motivation to motivate yourself.
- Reject negative labels: When faced with negative labels, such as ’loser’ or ‘people who are not good at mathematics’, you should rationally analyze whether they meet the actual situation and avoid being negatively affected.
- Keep self-awareness: Others’ evaluations of you may not be objective. You should insist on self-awareness and not change easily due to external evaluations.
Face the label of self-granting
- Actively shape positive self-awareness: often give yourself positive psychological hints, such as ‘I can overcome difficulties.’
- Avoid negative self-labeling: Don’t label yourself “I’m not good at” or “I can’t do it”, but use “I can still make progress” instead.
- Flexible adjustment of self-cognition: Adjust your evaluation of yourself in a timely manner according to actual conditions, so that you can maintain the motivation to make progress.
PsycTest official website (psychtest.cn) provides a variety of psychological assessments, which can help individuals understand their psychological state more deeply. The Positive Emotion Impact Test Scale helps you evaluate your emotional state and adjust your self-suggestion strategy. You can also test your workplace labels , understand your personality characteristics, and use the label effect to improve personal growth.
How to use label effect to improve learning effect
In the learning process, the label effect can help us overcome difficulties and improve learning efficiency.
1. Implement positive self-suggestion training
Set suggestion by stage: Self-suggestion is a method of using positive language to influence mental state. For example, you can set smaller goals first, such as ‘I want to remember 8 English words today’, and then gradually increase the difficulty.
Morning self-suggestion training: stand in front of the mirror every morning and say some encouraging words to yourself, such as ‘I am in good shape today!’ or ‘I will focus on completing the learning tasks.’ Cooperating with movements (such as clenching fists) can enhance self-confidence.
2. Integrate hints into daily study and life
Success in learning requires long-term accumulation, rather than just looking at test scores. Therefore, we can amplify positive experiences in learning by:
- Record every small progress: For example, after completing the homework, you can say to yourself, “I did a good job!”
- Use self-affirmation to strengthen confidence: When answering questions in class, you can self-hint on “I’m brave!”
- Build continuous motivation: Even if you encounter small failures, you can tell yourself that you will do better next time.
Conclusion
The labeling effect is a powerful psychological phenomenon that can shape individual behavior and self-identity. By rationally applying the label effect, we can enhance self-confidence, improve learning efficiency, and promote personal growth. Make good use of positive self-suggestions and let labels become the driving force for progress rather than restraints.
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