The Effectiveness of the Implementation of the Pygmalion Effect by Community Counselors as an Effort to Prevent Delinquency of Child Clients

Efektivitas Penerapan Pygmalion Effect oleh Pembimbing Kemasyarakatan sebagai Upaya Pencegahan Delikuensi kembali Klien Anak

Abstract

Child delinquency is influenced by internal and external factors, particularly social environments and negative expectations that encourage deviant behaviors such as violations or crimes. The Pygmalion Effect, a psychological phenomenon where positive expectations influence behavioral changes, can serve as a solution to reduce delinquency by strengthening children's psychological resilience. The objective of this study is to analyze how the Pygmalion Effect, through positive expectations from caregivers, educators, or the community, can reduce child delinquency by enhancing self-esteem, motivation, and psychological resilience, as well as evaluating its effectiveness as a preventive approach in mitigating deviant behavior in children. This study employs a literature review approach, analyzing studies on the Pygmalion Effect and its impact on children's behavior. The findings indicate that positive expectations from caregivers, educators, or the community increase children's self-esteem and motivation, thereby reducing the tendency for delinquent behavior. Mentorship programs and positive feedback have proven effective in promoting better behavioral changes. This study highlights the importance of a supportive environment in fostering children's psychological resilience. By implementing positive expectations, children are more likely to develop constructive mindsets, reducing the risk of deviant behavior. However, the success of the Pygmalion Effect depends on the consistency and quality of interactions between children and authority figures. While this approach shows promise, further empirical research is needed to validate its effectiveness across diverse cultural and social contexts. In conclusion, the Pygmalion Effect can be an effective psychological tool for reducing child delinquency by strengthening psychological resilience through positive expectations, offering hope for a more humane preventive approach to addressing delinquency issues.