The Michelangelo phenomenon is an interpersonal process observed by psychologists in which close, romantic partners influence or sculpt each other over time. A partner's everyday perceptions and behavior toward a person can move that person closer to their own ideal self, because the partner sees them and treats them in ways that support and encourage that ideal. The name draws on the image of a sculptor gradually revealing a form already latent in stone, applied here to how one partner's ordinary responses can shape who the other person becomes. This description is adapted from Wikipedia contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0; changes were made. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
Facts
Classification
Type of PhenomenonSocial or Interpersonal Phenomenon 1 First Described Year Sources
1. Wikipedia: Michelangelo Phenomenon
Lead section
The Michelangelo phenomenon is an interpersonal process observed by psychologists in which close, romantic partners influence or 'sculpt' each other.
lead section, phenomenon-kind classification
The Michelangelo phenomenon is an interpersonal process observed by psychologists in which close, romantic partners influence or 'sculpt' each other.
View the Source2. PubMed, National Library of Medicine: Close partner as sculptor of the ideal self: behavioral affirmation and the Michelangelo phenomenon
PubMed, National Library of MedicinePubMed citation lineQuote, PubMed citation line
J Pers Soc Psychol. 1999 Aug;77(2):293-323.
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