A self-perpetuating cycle refers to a process or situation that continues to sustain itself without external intervention. In this cycle, the outcomes reinforce the initial conditions, creating a loop that can be difficult to break. For example, in economics, a recession can lead to increased unemployment, which in turn reduces consumer spending, further deepening the recession. These cycles can occur in various contexts, such as in environmental issues, where pollution leads to health problems, which then contribute to more pollution. Understanding self-perpetuating cycles is crucial for developing effective strategies to interrupt or change these patterns for better outcomes.