values, those abstract qualities that give meaning to ou

1
Behavior Modification

• Chapter 9

2

• How many psychiatrists does it take to change a
  light bulb? One, but the light bulb has really
  got to want to change.
• Anonymous

3
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.

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Some Theories of Human Behavior

• Classical Conditioning
• (based on Pavlovs dog research)
• e.g., smelling cookies makes you hungry
• Operant Condition
• (based on B.F. Skinners work)
• e.g., rewards and punishment
• Modeling
• (copying others behavior)
• e.g., Brad Pitt and Cameron Diaz bleach their
  hair and you do too!

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The Behavior Modification Model

• Awareness
• Desire to change
• Cognitive restructuring
• Behavioral substitution
• Evaluation

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Assertiveness Skills

• 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

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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

8
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.