Stimuli that is rewarding produces positive feelings in us, and stimuli that is punishing produces negative feelings. As some of the stimuli are other people it follows that some people make us happy, while others do not. According to the principles of operant conditioning, we are likely to repeat any behaviour that leads to a desirable outcome and avoid behaviour that leads to an undesirable outcome. This theory suggests that we enter into relationships because the presence of some individuals in directly associated with reinforcement – they produce a positive feeling for us – which makes them more attractive to us. As well as being attracted to someone who directly makes us happy, we also like people who we associate with a pleasant experience.
According to Spoors et al, Lane found that increased economic power did not lead to increased happiness. Once we have enough to meet their basic needs, happiness tends to lie in the quality of our relationships. In addition to having a strong family network, belonging to some kind of community or social group will also contribute to our happiness. We tend to gain self-esteem and a sense of belonging from being part of a group with whom there is a shared identity and common values. Most groups provide social support and depending on the type of group for example religious groups, will also encourage optimistic
We may also be negatively reinforced by an individual helping us in our ‘time of need’. Both are said to increase our liking. We also find people rewarding through association. For example, if we met someone when we are in a pleasant mood we may
We are more likely to form a relationship with those people who are associated with pleasant event e.g. we are more likely to like someone when we are in a happy mood opposed to unhappy. Support for this theory comes from Griffitt and Guay, they found that higher ratings were given when the experimenter had positively evaluated the participants, thus showing the importance of positive stimuli in relationship formation. Although, the reward / need satisfaction theory doesn’t take into account cultural and gender differences in the formation of romantic relationships. Lott suggests that in many cultures are more focused on the needs of others rather than receiving reinforcement.
Therefore, the presence of an individual produces positive reinforcement as they have a more attractive appeal. This theory also suggests that we are attracted to people if we meet them whilst we’re in a good mood, an example being at a party. As a result, previously neutral stimuli become positively valued as they are associated with the pleasant event, therefore meaning that we learn to like people through classical conditioning. Griffit and Guay (1969) conducted a study to investigate how the reward/need satisfaction theory works and how well it is acceptable. Participants were evaluated on a creative task by an experimenter.
Everyone has the desire to seek approval and acceptance, Positive reinforcement is the process whereby desirable behaviour is encouraged by presenting a reward at the time of occurrence of such behaviour. Through reinforcing positive behaviour you are encouraging that individual to seek attention through positive methods rather than unacceptable methods (such as challenging behaviour). Also by focusing on prompting positive behaviour can also have the effect on yourself rather than feeling angry and frustrated due to behaviours you promote that calm, relaxed positive behaviour. 2.6 Evaluate the impact on an individual’s wellbeing of using reactive rather than proactive strategies. Using reactive rather than proactive concentrates on the negatives of a behaviour rather than positivity, this would more than likely cause animosity towards staff, emotions would be high for a majority of the time and the individual could become distressed for large periods of time, the support from staff would not be positive making the individual feel isolated and alone, causing more anger and more than likely more behaviours.
Communication is a two way process, it involves speaking, listening, hearing, understanding and replying. Communication can be both verbal and non-verbal. Sometimes non-verbal communication has a more powerful impact than verbal communication. Non-verbal communication includes all kinds of emotional expressions, actions, body language. If we communicate something positive, it brings back something positive to us, that is why developing a positive relationship is so important, this way we are more likely to inspire confidence and trust.
“An individual’s interaction with others and around them can enrich or limit their experience of belonging” Interactions established by individuals with others around them may bring about contentment or conversely isolation. These interactions may have already been rooted from the past or can just newly transpire. Individuals themselves can unearth a feeling of contentment through their interactions, by the fact that they share some sort of rationality with others around them, whether it’s beliefs, culture or interests. This can lead to the formation of conformity, which further enhances an individual’s experience of belonging with others and the world around them. On the other hand, the notion of isolation and disappointment can emerge from
Others may just feel very relaxed but not much different to their pre-hypnotic state, both of these vastly different responses can still lead to a positive outcome or change that is being pinpointed to take place. From a psychological perspective it would seem that a strong belief in the positive outcome of a therapeutic session of hypnosis will greatly enhance that outcome. However, it could be argued that a negative mind set could have the opposite
With confidence not only does that outside look better but people seem to start having a more positive outlook in life. “People have a natural tendency to trust you more when you seem confident. To the subconscious mind confidence equals competence.” Confidence is very important for people to have, so they can have a rewarding path in life, insecurities only bring hostility, self-loathing and limits into our own lifes. “Insecurity has many effects in a person's life. There are several levels of it.