Transcript Chapter 9: Behavior Modification

Behavior Modification
Chapter 9
“How many psychiatrists does it take to
change a light bulb? One, but the light
bulb has really got to want to change.”
—Anonymous
Behavior as a Component of Personality
• Personality is thought to be comprised of:
– values, those abstract qualities that give
meaning to our lives
– attitudes, perceptions derived from these
values
– behaviors, any actions based on one or
more attitudes
• Of these, behaviors are thought to be the
most easily influenced.
Some Theories of Human Behavior
• Classical Conditioning
– based on Pavlov’s dog research
– e.g., smelling cookies makes you hungry
• Operant Conditioning
– based on B. F. Skinner’s work
– e.g., rewards and punishment
• Modeling
– copying others’ behavior
– e.g., Brad Pitt and Cameron Diaz bleach
their hair and you do too!
The Behavior Modification Model
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Awareness
Desire to change
Cognitive restructuring
Behavioral substitution
Evaluation
Assertiveness Skills
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Learn to say no and not feel guilty
Learn to use “I” statements
Use eye contact
Use assertive body language
Practice peaceful disagreement
Avoid manipulation
Respond rather than react
Steps to Initiate Behavior Modification
• Select an undesirable behavior
• Ask yourself how motivated you are to
change this behavior
• Think about what changes in your
perceptions and attitudes must accompany
this behavioral change
• Specify what new behavior you wish to adopt
• Evaluate
Best Application of Behavior Modification
• If you find you have a stress-prone
behavior and wish to change it, follow
the steps for behavior modification.
Study Guide Questions
1. Explain the difference between values,
attitudes, and beliefs.
2. List and explain three different behavior
models.
3. Explain the behavior modification model.
4. Explain the concept of assertiveness and list
three assertiveness skills.