Introduction
Confirmation of social expectations is one of the most common social behaviors. It is characteristic of almost every individual who interacts with society. However, this behavior carries severe consequences and can affect a person’s mental state. Studying confirmation of social expectations through the prism of social and personal psychology allows people to better understand its causes and how to interact with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and belief systems.
Understanding the Confirmation of Social Expectations
First, it is necessary to understand social behavior, such as confirming social expectations. Research stated that it is “the phenomenon whereby stereotype-holders’ expectations influence their treatment of stereotyped members in a way that elicits confirmatory behavior so that initial expectations become a reality” (Luo, 2021, para. 1). In this process, a unique role is given to the recipients who become victims of this kind of stereotyping. One example may be the perception that to please people, individuals must behave in a certain way. In this case, the problem arises that they do not show their real identity, which puts a mental strain on the person.
Impact of Social Expectations on Human Behavior
One significant influence of the phenomenon under study is its impact on human behavior in society. It is noted that “the human preference for consistent and predictable social interactions has long been recognized as a core motivational component driving everyday behavior” (Reggev et al., 2021, p. 1282). Thus, many take on characteristics and features that are seen as socially acceptable to fit in. In this process, individuals desire to be accepted and rewarded.
Psychological Consequences of Conforming to Social Norms
Confirmation of social expectations has quite negative consequences. The research emphasized that “perceivers generally like individuals who conform to expectations more than individuals who violate them” (Reggev et al., 2021, p. 1278). Thus, if people do not fulfill socially expected norms or behaviors, they can be met with high condemnation.
This can cause individuals to be isolated from society, seriously affecting their psychological state. In particular, it plays a leading role for people who need to be accepted in the society in which they exist. In this case, an internal confrontation arises, which also has a toll on mental well-being and can lead to the development of problems such as anxiety and depressive disorders.
Insights from Social and Personality Psychology
Considering it through the lens of social and personal psychology is of particular value for understanding the issue of confirmation to social expectations. These sciences focus on the individual and their interactions with society. Social identity theory can assist within the framework of the topic under study.
According to this theoretical approach, “people derive part of their identity – their social identity – from the groups to which they belong” (Scheepers & Ellemers, 2019, p. 129). In other words, if individuals are part of a group in which, for example, smoking is unacceptable, they will not engage in this kind of behavior, even if they smoke outside the group. Thus, as mentioned, people try to adhere to such norms and rules that others will positively perceive to get their acceptance and approval.
In personality psychology, the application of personal construct theory to the phenomenon of confirmation of social expectations can be beneficial. This theory is based on the concept that people try to realize and shape the world around them (Cervone & Pervin, 2022). This aspect also includes stereotypes and prejudices, which are central to confirming social expectations. Based on these aspects, people perceive how to interact with groups and individuals, depending on their social characteristics and position.
The Christian Worldview and Respect for Individual Uniqueness
The Christian worldview can play a valuable role in the fight against the problem of the confirmation of social expectations. Hence, biblical teaching focuses on the fact that people should accept and love people for who they are. It is stated in John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, you must love one another” (New International Version Bible, n.d.).
The principles of the Christian worldview contradict the pernicious concept that individuals must behave in a specific way to please someone or be accepted positively. Thus, when interacting with people with different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, one must remember that each person is unique and should not be judged by the ideas of the majority. This problem is obvious when considering the pressures faced by religious minorities. Taking into account the Christian worldview will provide an opportunity to bring respect to every religion and background, regardless of social structures and views.
Conclusion
In conclusion, confirmation of social expectations has a reasonably permanent role in forming personality and how individuals interact with society. Social and personal psychology provide valuable insight into this problem and justify the desire to be accepted by others. Henceforth, personal construct theory and social identity theory are of particular importance.
In addition, it is worth remembering that confirmation of social expectations carries significant negative aspects, such as stereotyping, bias, and the possibility of problems with the mental state of individuals. Knowledge about the phenomenon under study contributes to the realization that people from different cultures and with diverse beliefs must be treated with respect and tolerance. This is because people do not need to meet certain norms and criteria, and, as the Christian worldview indicates, the most important thing is to accept them as they are.
References
Cervone, D., & Pervin, L. A. (2022). Personality: Theory and research. John Wiley & Sons.
Luo, J. (2021). Social reward shapes the confirmation of interpersonal expectations. Media central. Web.
New International Version Bible. (n.d.). Bible gateway. Web.
Reggev, N., Chowdhary, A., & Mitchell, J. P. (2021). Confirmation of interpersonal expectations is intrinsically rewarding. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 16(12), 1276-1287. Web.
Scheepers, D., & Ellemers, N. (2019). Social identity theory. Social Psychology in Action: Evidence-Based Interventions from Theory to Practice, 129-143. Web.