Environmental Cues and Behaviors

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Environmental Cues and Behavior S. Renee’ Porter Psychology 460 Natasha Barnes June 23, 2013 Environmental cues are elements that convey important information or trigger an affective reaction. These cues have significant influence in normative behaviors relevant to environmental context. The power environmental cues have on normative behavior can be illustrated by injunctive norms/social norms. The most important aspects of human functioning are distinguished in three overarching goals. These goals are, 1) normative/ to behave appropriately, conform to social norms or rules, 2) gain/ behavior to maintain or improve one’s resources, and 3) hedonic/ behavior to maintain or improve the way one feels right now. The relative strength of any one goal is different and dependent upon change of cues in the environment. Normative goals affect behavioral conformity to social norms or rules. Aspects of our personality incorporate social cues. “In any society it is essential that people endorse and keep to social norms” (Steg, 2013, p. 120) Physical appearance is important to humans. Social implications and changing expectations have influenced the beauty standards in Western culture. The history and standards of beauty through the ages focus on youth, weight, and facial features. The standards of attractiveness are gradually learned through exposure to culturally presented ideals. In 2010, Americans spent nearly 10.7 billion on 9.5 million cosmetic procedures. (American Society for Athletic Plastic Surgery, 2011) American culture has normalized cosmetic procedures, removal of body hair, and glorified the ultra-thin physique. Individual differences in sensitivity to environmental cues are important as they affect the individual’s ability to respond. Beginning with toddlers and tiaras, the perception of beauty is given
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