Behavioral Theory Influence on Personality Thesis

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In case a reinforcing stimulus does not ensue as a result of a behavior, the probability of a repetition of such a behavior decreases. Again, if a behavior is followed by an aversive stimulus, the probability of a repetition of such a behavior decreases. The removal of an aversive stimulus by an experimenter results in a negative reinforcement. If an aversive stimulus, which follows a certain type of behavior, is removed, the chance of repetition of such a behavior increases. The operant conditioning behavioral theory may find applications in the educational sphere for understanding and manipulating the behavior of students. However, it may not always be possible for teachers to determine positive and negative reinforcements for every situation or behavior. (Davis, 2006)

Another behaviorist whose theories added to the understanding of human behavior and how it influences personality was Albert Bandura. According to Bandura, people may learn new behavior by observing others and change their own behavior accordingly without receiving any rewards to do so. According to Bandura and other behaviorists, any kind of punishment including self-punishment is beset with problems and does not work as effectively as reinforcement. Excessive self-punishment may lead to escape in the form of fantasies, alcohol, drugs and even suicide. It may also result in a superiority complex or compensation or apathy and depression or inactivity. Using modeling and self-control therapies, a counselor or the affected person can deal with various psychological disorders as well as problems like overeating and smoking. Self-control theories are excellent for use by counselors as well as HR personnel for reforming irritating or problematic habits.

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(Boeree, 2006); (Davis, 2006)

These self-control techniques include behavioral charts (keeping notes or tabs on one's own behavior; this may also involve keeping a behavioral diary), environmental planning (taking steps to alter one's environment which leads to the problematic behavior; this may involve removing ashtrays, substituting cigarettes with mints, staying away from certain friends), and self-contracts (like rewarding oneself for adhering to a plan or contract). Understanding such problems in human behavior may help in better understanding of undesirable elements of society and the ways and means to reform or change them. Understanding the internal mechanisms of why employees behave in a certain manner may help the management in chalking out strategies to tackle them. Moreover, such understandings may help people to "hate the sin and not the sinner" resulting in better and amicable relationships during social interactions at home and at the workplace. (Boeree, 2006); (Davis, 2006)

The behavioral theories have helped in understanding how human behavior results due to the stimuli generated from within ourselves as well as external stimuli. Behaviorism has also helped to understand the behaviors of others, the effect of environment on our behavior, the process by which we learn new behavior, and what stimulates us to accept or reject such changes. It also helps us to understand why some people experience extreme phobias or fears or why they behave as they do. (Sommers-Flanagan; Sommers-Flanagan, 2004); ("Introduction to Learning Theory and Behavioral Psychology," 2004).....

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