Surrounded by low achievers—High on positive emotions?
Tuesday, February 12, 2019 - 08:20
in Biology & Nature
The phenomenon tremendously important for a person's self-perception is referred to as the "Big Fish, Little Pond Effect" (BFLPE). A fish perceives itself as big when it swims in a comparatively small pond. This means: If you find yourself in a relatively low-performing environment, your perception of your own abilities increases. Your "self-concept" is enhanced, because you are the big fish among the many small fish in the pond. If, however, you are moved to a high-achieving context, the self-perception of your own abilities suffers—despite the same level of performance. The fish that was originally the big one is now a little one.