Social Influences On Behavior Paper

Social Influences on Behavior “One of the most basic topics in social psychology is the way one agent influences the behavior of another” (Hepburn & Potter, 2011, p. 99). Self-esteem, self-identity, morals, and values can determine which people and how greatly the influence of society will be to each individual (Velden, 2007). Social pressure is shown in conformity, compliance, and obedience (Renner, Morrisey, Mae, Feldman & Majors, 2011). These pressures can influence an individual into behaviors he or she would not normally partake in. Often, the actions and behaviors people take are done to ensure acceptance and avoid exclusion (Kowalski & Westen, 2011). Social acceptance and approval is a basic human need and can exceed self-value (Kowalski
It is not uncommon to observe one child hitting another because the second child will not play the way the first child wants. If it is discovered that the first child has an aggressive parent it could be surmised that the model for their behavior is learned at home. If the first child has seen his parent be rewarded for their aggression the behavior can be further solidified as positive to the child. A further common example could be video game playing. Even in violent video games, rewards are provided for completing violent or aggressive actions, providing a feeling of euphoria to the player. This learned action/reward response can be transmitted into real world interactions in hopes the same level of reward will be granted for the aggressive
549). Aggression is shown within social facilitation in terms of bullying. It is important to note that even if only one person is acting in the role of bully, an audience can also have influence on the outcome. When an individual or group bullies another person o group, a group mentality can be formed. The aggression can be intensified or lessened by the actions and words of the group surrounding the bully. Although anger is a natural emotion, inappropriate expression through aggression can be cause for concern (Feindler & Engel, 2011). Cognitive-behavioral therapies can be helpful in the elimination of aggressive behaviors by changing how the individual views the behavior or why they act out aggressively. Aggression can be a positive reaction when reaching toward an individual or team goal, such as winning a sporting event, but these behaviors need to be exhibited in positive manners, not as a method to harm