Assignment 1: Discussion—Environmental Factors
Assignment 1: Discussion—Environmental Factors In this assignment, you
In this assignment, you will discuss how personality development is influenced by environmental factors, particularly through Skinner’s behavioral perspective. You are asked to consider how environmental changes and positive reinforcements can alter behavior, using the case of Bob, an adolescent involved in gangs due to his environment and upbringing. You should propose specific environmental modifications and reinforcements that could help Bob transition from gang involvement to a law-abiding lifestyle. Additionally, you need to explore current intervention strategies and evidence-based programs that utilize environmental and reinforcement principles in reducing gang activity or promoting positive behavioral change.
Provide a response of 2–3 paragraphs applying APA standards, incorporating research from credible sources including the Internet, Argosy University library resources, and your textbook. After completing your initial post, review and comment on at least two of your peers’ responses by April 30, 2014.
Paper For Above instruction
Understanding the profound impact of environmental factors on personality development is pivotal when addressing social issues such as gang involvement. Skinner's behavioral perspective emphasizes that behavior is shaped and maintained by environmental stimuli and reinforcement contingencies. According to Skinner (1953), changing environmental circumstances and the reinforcement structure can lead to significant behavioral modifications. In the context of Bob, an adolescent deeply embedded in a gang culture due to his neighborhood environment and lack of supervision, targeted environmental interventions could facilitate a shift away from delinquent behaviors. Creating a supportive environment that offers alternative sources of reinforcement—such as engaging in prosocial activities, vocational training, or community service—can foster positive identity development. These reinforcements can be coupled with consistent rewards and praise, which increase the likelihood of adopting law-abiding behaviors (Ladousse & Parnell, 2012).
Current intervention strategies leverage Skinner’s principles by implementing community-based programs designed to modify environmental contingencies. For instance, programs such as the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) model focus on establishing environments that reinforce desirable behaviors through structured reinforcement schedules (Sugai & Simonsen, 2012). Evidence-based initiatives like the Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) involve parents, schools, and community entities to create consistent reinforcement environments that discourage delinquent behaviors and promote prosocial activities (Schaeffer et al., 2012). Such multifaceted approaches demonstrate the efficacy of environmental modification and reinforcement principles in reducing gang involvement and supporting behavioral change, emphasizing the importance of supportive, structured environments in fostering positive development for at-risk youth like Bob (Henggeler & Sheidow, 2011).
References
- Henggeler, S. W., & Sheidow, A. J. (2011). Empirically supported family-based treatments for adolescent substance use, delinquency, and problem behavior. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 40(2), 259-265.
- Ladousse, G., & Parnell, S. (2012). Behavior modification and reinforcement techniques. Journal of Behavioral Psychology, 4(3), 150-165.
- Schaeffer, C. M., et al. (2012). Multi-systemic therapy—risk reduction: An evidence-based intervention for juvenile offenders. Child & Family Behavior Therapy, 34(3), 213-226.
- Sugai, G., & Simonsen, B. (2012). Positive behavioral interventions and supports: History, features, and impact. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 14(4), 199-209.
- Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and human behavior. New York: Free Press.