Please Complete The Below Due By 3 Sep 14 By 6 Pm

Please Complete The Belowdue By 3 Sep 14 By 6 Pmwritea 1050 To 1400

Please complete the below due by 3 September 2014 by 6 PM. Write a 1,050- to 1,400-word paper analyzing the formation of habits using behavioral and social/cognitive approaches. Your paper should cover the following areas: Analyze one of your habits. How did you develop this habit? Were there role models for this habit? Which people influenced the adoption of this habit? Why do you continue it? Has there been a time when you have attempted to break this habit? Use the behavioral personality theory to explain why you have this habit. Describe components of social/cognitive theory that explain why the habit formed. Develop a plan that applies operant conditioning to change this habit. Between the behavioral and social/cognitive theories, which one do you find best explains your personality? Include an introduction and conclusion in your paper. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.

Paper For Above instruction

Analyze the formation of habits using behavioral and social/cognitive approaches

Habits are automatic behaviors that develop through repeated actions and associations, influencing many aspects of daily life and personality. Understanding how habits form is essential for addressing behavioral change and personal development. This paper explores the formation of a specific habit using behavioral and social/cognitive theories, analyzing personal experiences, influences, and strategies for modification.

Identification and Development of a Personal Habit

My chosen habit for analysis is procrastination, which I have dealt with extensively over the years. I developed this habit during my early academic years, often delaying assignments until the last minute. My environment and individual tendencies contributed to its formation. Role models such as teachers and peers who often procrastinated themselves influenced my perception that delaying work was acceptable or inevitable. Additionally, my family environment, which sometimes emphasized spontaneity and relaxed attitudes towards deadlines, reinforced this behavior.

Influences and Continuation of the Habit

I continued procrastinating because it temporarily reduced my stress and provided a moment of relief from pressure. The habit persisted because of the immediate positive reinforcement—avoiding the stress associated with tasks—and the behavioral pattern of delaying until deadlines loomed closer. Despite knowing the negative consequences, I found it difficult to change because procrastination became ingrained in my routine.

Attempts to Break the Habit and Theoretical Explanation

Several attempts to break this habit included establishing strict schedules, using alarms, and seeking accountability from others. However, these efforts often failed due to the automatic nature of the behavior and the reinforcement mechanisms at play. According to behavioral personality theory, habits form through operant conditioning, where behaviors are reinforced through consequences. In procrastination's case, avoidance of immediate discomfort reinforced the habit, making it more ingrained over time.

From a social/cognitive perspective, the habit developed through observational learning and self-efficacy beliefs. Observing peers and mentors who procrastinated without apparent consequences led to modeling this behavior, and low confidence in managing time effectively perpetuated the habit. The outcome expectations also influenced the persistence of procrastination—people often anticipated that delaying work would allow them to approach tasks with renewed motivation or avoid burnout temporarily.

Applying Operant Conditioning to Change the Habit

To modify procrastination, an operant conditioning-based plan involves restructuring reinforcement patterns. For example, implementing positive reinforcement for starting tasks early—such as rewards or self-praise—can encourage timely behavior. Additionally, establishing natural consequences for continued procrastination, such as missing deadlines or experiencing stress, can serve as punishment to discourage the habit. Using a token economy system, where consistent effort is rewarded with tangible incentives, can also reinforce new, productive behaviors.

Comparative Analysis of Theories Explaining Personality and Habit Formation

Between the behavioral and social/cognitive theories, I find the social/cognitive theory more compelling in explaining my personality and habit development. While operant conditioning accounts for the reinforcement of specific behaviors like procrastination, social/cognitive theory encompasses broader factors such as observational learning, self-efficacy, and outcome expectations. These elements better reflect the complex psychological processes influencing my habit formation and maintenance.

However, both theories are valuable, and their integration provides a comprehensive understanding. Behavioral theory highlights the importance of reinforcement mechanisms, while social/cognitive theory emphasizes the role of cognitive factors and environmental influences. Recognizing this interplay can enhance strategies for behavioral change, making interventions more effective and personalized.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the formation of habits such as procrastination is multifaceted, involving reinforcement mechanisms and social learning processes. Using behavioral theory, especially operant conditioning, offers practical strategies for breaking maladaptive habits by altering reinforcement patterns. Social/cognitive theory expands this understanding by incorporating the influence of observational learning and personal beliefs. Ultimately, appreciating the contributions of both approaches enables a more nuanced and effective approach to understanding and changing habits, aligning with individual personality traits and circumstances.

References

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