Do Beliefs Shape Outcomes?

“Man often becomes what he believes himself to be. If I keep on saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing, it is possible that I may end by really becoming incapable of doing it. On the contrary, if I shall have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it, even if I may not have it at the beginning.” – Gandhi I would venture a guess that most people who are reading this article have heard of a phenomenon called the placebo effect which is described as an inert substance either injected or ingested that has perceived benefit for the patient. It could take the form of a sugar pill in place of an actual prescribed medication. A classic scene from the Robin Williams’, Nathan Lane led film The Bird Cage, showcases this concept brilliantly. In it, Lane’s character believes he is being given a mood stabilizing medication called Pirin, when what it really is, is aspirin with the letters a and s scratched off. What happens in treatment when medication is not the only remedy and human contact provides advantageous impact? Bernie Siegel, MD is a medical oncologist whose landmark book entitled Love, Medicine and Miracles opened the door to my own exploration of the ways in which our thoughts and beliefs create pathways to healing. It shaped many of the interventions I incorporate into my therapy practice. In an article, Deceiving People Into Health, Bernie talks about his direct observation of the placebo effect in treatment...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Alternative and Nutritional Supplements Memory and Perception Psychology Psychotherapy Research Treatment Medication Mood Stabilizers Placebo Placebo Effect Source Type: blogs