Introduction
It is important to behave in an exceptional way to enable people to distinguish and identify an individual from others since this is the only way of developing traits that make people have different characters (Feldman 2013). This essay explores the problems associated with shyness, how it can be altered, and why it is difficult to apply behavior therapy to an individual’s behavior.
Definition
Behavior refers to the way an individual exhibits the characteristics that define his or her personality. It is a collection of actions, beliefs, and preferences that make an individual have a distinctive behavior (Carlson 2011). Some of the classifications above may not be by the norms and traditions of society since they expose an individual as lacking maturity or normal growth. It is normal to fear something or someone but when this occurs beyond the ordinary level it becomes a problem to the victims and people around them.
Problematic behaviors include shyness, biting fingernails, and overeating. Most of these behaviors are usually an expression of nervousness and tension and people do them to relax and assure themselves that things will be fine. Behavior therapy refers to measures aimed at correcting antisocial behaviors that make people not to fit in the society the way they are expected by other members (Feldman 2013). These are correctional measures that ensure people with problematic behaviors are encouraged to stop them and instead do constructive or moral things when they are nervous.
Shyness
Shyness is a problematic behavior exhibited by individuals that cannot stand and speak in public or do something that catches the attention of a crowd. They are usually not comfortable when addressing a crowd and this makes them avoid looking at their audiences (Milten 2011). Also, shy people may also be afraid of looking at other people’s faces when talking with them. This means that they not only fear crowds but also individuals and thus they like being in secluded places and with people that are very close to them.
Shy people have very poor communication skills and cannot pass their messages to their audiences effectively. The principles of communication skills demand that people should always look at each other in their eyes or faces when communicating. This creates credibility and objectivity in their conversation and allows them to exchange information without suspicion.
Secondly, they cannot interact with others and create healthy relationships since they are afraid of what others may think about them (Carlson 2011). This behavior makes its victims withdraw from all interactions and thus they avoid going to social places like sports centers, churches, social halls, or wedding events. Thirdly, it makes other people think negatively about people who do not like sharing their experiences and interacting with others. They are perceived to be rude, selfish, and arrogant and thus other people avoid them because they think that shyness is an expression of selfishness.
Lastly, this behavior may lead to other health risks like blood pressure and obesity since the victims tend to withdraw from social activities (Milten 2011). They spend a lot of time in secluded places and avoid being seen in public by their peers and friends. They do not engage in activities that dispense their energies and this makes them susceptible to obesity and blood pressure.
Altering Problematic Behaviors
Behavior therapy refers to psychological and behavioral measures that are taken to correct problematic behavior in society (Carlson 2011). This means that behavioral therapists can use counseling, rewards, or punishments to alter the behavior of an individual to conform to the norms of society. Shyness can be managed by counseling and rewarding victims but not a punishment since this will subject the victim to extreme fear.
A shy individual can be encouraged to stand in front of his or her classroom and read a speech or lead a reading session. Besides, the individual can be given a position that will ensure the person is actively involved in activities that require public speaking (Milten 2011). The person should be encouraged to establish relationships and interact with outgoing people to ensure this behavior is controlled.
Lastly, rewards and gifts play significant roles in managing this behavior and individuals should be rewarded whenever they participate in public activities. This will motivate them to continue interacting with others and playing leadership roles in their groups. However, it is difficult to apply behavior therapy to an individual’s behavior since it takes time before victims accept they have behavioral weaknesses (Feldman 2013). People with problematic behaviors rarely realize their abnormalities and this makes it difficult for them to apply behavior therapy to solve their problems. Also, they are usually overpowered by their conditions and this limits their abilities to explore the possibilities of correcting their weaknesses.
Conclusion
People behave differently due to various reasons including family backgrounds, preferences, and motivations. Sometimes their behaviors are influenced by other people and this means that the individuals have limited chances of determining their personalities. Every person has an adverse behavior that is kept in the closet and this makes an individual behave in different ways.
References
Carlson, N. (2011). Physiology of Behavior: International Edition. New Jersey: Pearson Publishers.
Feldman, R. (2013). Essentials of Understanding Psychology. New Jersey: Pearson Publishers.
Milten, R. (2011). Behavior Modification: Principles and Procedures. Connecticut: Cengage Learning.