Words, especially when accompanied by actions, can have immense power. Regardless of whether or not statements or actions are well intentioned or meant to be harmful, what someone chooses to say or do to another person can have a tremendous impact. While this might be common sense for some, others might be quick to disregard the potency that reinforcement can have. One of the reasons that words and the subsequent actions are so important is because they have the ability to actually influence and shape behavioral patterns. Well-known Psychologist B.F. Skinner is sighted as one of the first proprietors of the concept of operant conditioning.
The most easily understandable way to describe the concept is that it is the belief that the early human developmental process is largely shaped by reinforcements, whether positive or negative. Essentially, people learn what behavior is acceptable or unacceptable based on what happens when they perform a certain actions. While this theory is primarily speaking about early formative years, it is absolutely applicable to all age groups. Even those who reside more on the introverted end of the spectrum do not exist in a vacuum. Whether you are 80 or 18, as a human being you are susceptible to your behavior being influenced by the people that you come into contact with. We are constantly receiving social cues, directly or indirectly, from other individuals that let’s us know what appropriate or not.
Should that not be an incentive to be mindful of what we as a society and as individuals decide to encourage or discourage? With billions of living, breathing beings on the earth, it might seem natural to underestimate the weight of our actions as they relate to the people around us. That is why we must adjust our perspectives accordingly, and recognize that although we may seem insignificant in the scope of the universe, to someone that we know on a personal basis, we might be one of the most important people in their life. It can be scary to think that we wield that much potential power, but recognizing it is the first step towards using that power positively.
But what about when it is used negatively? Sometimes we are prisoners of the moment, and allow ourselves to believe that we can say or do something and there will be no repercussions after the fact. When our actions are called into question, we may say “I was just upset” or “I didn’t mean it” without realizing that even if we feel regret after a specific action, the damage might have already been done. That is why we must be conscientious of our words, even in intense instances. The idea of reinforcement is not excusing personality responsibility; it is suggesting that while people are ultimately responsible to make their own decisions, we too should be held accountable for how we choose to spread our influence. Positively reinforce behaviors that seek to build up and support others. Your approval or disapproval is meaningful to someone; it may be time to start truly reflecting about the implications of that.
