Understanding the Complexity of Human Behavior
The Variety of Influences on Behavior
Behavior isn’t determined by a single cause, but by multiple factors converging at a specific time. Societal and cultural influences play a significant role in shaping individual motivations and actions, without fully determining them. This is explained by the overall structure of motivations. Pressures on an individual basis also influence each other. The grounds of motivation are an internal process within each person. It is the subject themselves who is motivated or driven from within by choice.
Individual and Group Motivations
Individual motivation (biological and psychological) stems from identification with parents, other people, and attitudes. Group motivation arises from identification with a group of friends. Socio-cultural reasons are based on social structure, economic status, and cultural values.
Conscious and Unconscious Motives
Motivations can be conscious or unconscious, depending on the subject’s awareness of their own motivations. It’s possible that when explaining their behavior, a person only mentions part of their total motivation. They may not be aware of the real reasons behind their actions because they are unconscious.
Motivation and Conflict
Conflict, the result of coexisting contradictory motives, is an integral part of daily life. However, it can escalate and lead to pathological behavior. Conflicts can be studied individually and within groups. Studying conflict is crucial because it’s a major source of behavioral motivation.
Types of Conflict
Attraction-Attraction
This occurs when a person faces two equally attractive options or possibilities.
Attraction-Rejection
Here, two opposing values apply to the same object or situation. The subject desires an event while simultaneously fearing it.
Avoidance-Avoidance
This happens when a person is forced to choose between two equally undesirable objects or situations.
Frustration and Conflict
Frustration arises from unmet needs or unattained goals. It can result from conflict and, in turn, create new conflicts. Frustrations and conflicts are often accompanied by fear, expressing a disorganization of behavior ranging from depression and sadness to fear or panic.
Defensive Behaviors in Conflict
Defensive behaviors help manage conflicts by reducing anxiety or insecurity, but without resolving the underlying issue.
- Projection: Attributing one’s own unknown intentions or motivations to others.
- Introjection: Assimilating the characteristics of another person into one’s own behavior.
- Regression: Returning to previously overcome behaviors to resolve conflict.
- Repression: Denying or removing a conflict from consciousness.
- Rationalization: Masking the real reasons for a conflict with fabricated explanations.
- Somatization: Converting conflict energy into a physical symptom.
- Sublimation: Channeling efforts towards a socially acceptable and productive goal.
- Ensonation: Escaping conflict through dreams and fantasies.