Personality shaping and conditioning
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The behavioral characteristics of human beings are neither inborn nor shaped by the genetic factors of their parents; rather, they are acquired through operant conditioning through the slow and long process of rewards and punishment. Also referred to as instrument conditioning, operant conditioning refers to an approach of behavior reinforcement where either positive or negative action is taken to shape an individual’s future activities and qualities. The best approach to raising children must be considered to present a better and more decent society. Conditioning is regarded as one of the most effective forms of instilling behavior and improving their character (Greene, 2017).
The introduction of behavioral reinforcement works to ensure the shaping of an individual’s behavior and character understand that for every action done, there is a consequence; this consequence may be a reward or a punishment. When repeated and redone over a long period, this form of conditioning and shaping drives the recipient of the actions towards a state of desired character and behavior designed and discourages them from engaging in behaviors considered to be undesirable (Greene, 2017). This approach to instilling personality has been common and has lifelong results where the individual, even in their old age, filters right and wrong with this methodology.
When the performance of a certain action meets the expectations or requirements expected, their personality is said to have been shaped. Through repeated conditioning actions, the individual should be firmly linked to a certain idea or way of life, thus, living life as expected by the society within which he or she lives. According to the theory of personality shaping and conditioning, if the behavior in the subject needs to be hanged, he or she should be first rewarded then punished for their actions (Greene, 2017).
Imagine that TWO of the theorists below were invited to speak at a symposium on personality theory development and are both on the stage. Someone in the audience raises her hand and asks, “So what do you think was your theory’s greatest contribution to our current understanding of human personality?” What would each of the theorists you chose say in answer to the question? Choose from among Freud, Jung, Adler, Rogers, and Horney.
Through high research and study on personality shaping, Sigmund Freud found that an individual’s personality traits are achieved through the unique unconscious psychological desires and motives they are exposed to. This is influenced by the communities within which individuals live and are directly linked to their purchasing power and ability (Greene, 2017). An individual unconsciously shapes their personality to match that which he or she desires most. Sigmund Freud would first mention and illustrate the three stages of psychological development: the id, ego, and superego. These three elements can work together with the simple goal of developing a wholesome personality for a subject through the psychosexual stages of life. Through the psychic energy an individual is exposed to at birth, the motivation molds the structure of the mind a child is exposed to, and the impulses and instincts are said to operate within the basic demands of the principle of pleasure (Dutton,2018).
The id, which is responsible for the basic learning of how the world works, the right and the wrong, helps set the stage for shaping the personality trait of an individual by giving them an instinct that allows to warn them of danger and show them situations of great joy an opportunity. The ego, which follows the id stage, refers to a state or condition where an individual’s self-worth and self-value are instilled slowly as they interact with a larger part of the society. Freud stated that the ego stage is influenced by different realities that do not satisfy an individual’s needs and must be compromised to achieve what is considered a state of satisfaction. A third stage, which involves there being a deeper conscience, is the superego. This allows the individual to self-reflect on themselves and provides the personality with the appropriate approach to the moral framework within which the ego operates.
Through a high approach and research in the field of behavioral psychology, Carl Rogers found that the main goal of humans was to self-actualize. This propelled them to achieve the highest possible score in every aspect of life, which would be defined as success when completed. His approach to psychotherapy is what is used today in medical research as it placed focus on the individual rather than the problem being perceived or addressed. Through this, a human-centered approach was achieved and better ways to influence and shap