Published in 2022, “The Expectation Effect,” by award-winning science writer David Robson, explores the consequences of people’s beliefs and expectations on their health, performance, well-being, and perception of reality.

Robson argues that even seemingly insignificant thoughts can significantly influence our physiological and psychological responses. He introduces research that supports his claims, including that on the placebo effect.

One interesting angle explored by Robson is the relationship between stress and performance; he suggests that stress can sometimes be used as a tool to enhance performance under pressure.

He also claims that a person’s perception of aging plays a role in shaping their health later in life.

Although Robson does a good job of explaining how he reaches his conclusions, I found it hard to agree completely with some of his broader opinions.

“The Expectation Effect” is an interesting take on mindsets and how they impact us, but it should not be treated as a definitive guide to life and its problems.