Langer's Work on Placebo Effect

Langer's work on the placebo effect explores how patients’ beliefs and expectations can influence their health outcomes. She demonstrated that psychological factors, like feeling better simply because one expects to improve, can activate real physiological changes. Her research highlights the power of the mind in medicine, showing that the context of treatment—such as doctors’ attitudes or patients’ perceptions—can significantly impact healing processes. Essentially, Langer's work emphasizes that our mental state and perceptions play a crucial role alongside medical interventions in the healing process.