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Problem Behaviors: Causes, Myths, Solutions, & Responsibilities

Writer's picture: Catherine Ann WhiteCatherine Ann White

Do you know someone who behaves in a way that is challenging, or markedly different from most others? Do you have a negative opinion about such a behavior? Do you wonder what to do about it or just want the bad behavior to stop?



We all have a responsibility to question how we perceive behavior. This role is critical to maintain positive personal relationships, improve the wellbeing of others, and promote societal health. Here, I discuss why it is difficult to understand behavior that differs from one’s own. We must consider human behavior from a variety of vantage points.


Defining behavior as “good” or “bad” is too simplistic. Medicalizing behavior that veers from the norm is problematic. And judging or punishing challenging behaviors can be damaging.


The MINDDESIGNMEDIA Psychology Blog exists to present information about psychology, wellbeing, and behavior. Continue reading this post to learn about the factors that affect behavior, understand how to support someone going through behavioral challenges, and realize how, if you are not a part of the solution, you may be part of the problem.



Defining A Behavioral Problem


What is a problem behavior? Negative behaviors, like anything, fall on a spectrum. The “bad behavior” label varies between individual perspectives. This term might describe challenging behaviors, different behaviors, inappropriate behaviors, or unacceptable behaviors.



One might consider a grumpy person as challenging. Some believe that improper actions are a problem, such as when a child acts out. Others negatively label a unique person as “weird” who acts oddly.


A consensus occurs when the severity of a problem behavior crosses a threshold. Many define problem behavior as that which negatively affects the individual or others. Most definitively believe that behavior is a problem when it becomes unacceptable or a detriment.


When problem behaviors become severe or a pattern of regularity, society either intervenes, ignores, or ostracizes the perpetrator. Our society designs intervention for individual or public benefit. The methods of intervention vary, particularly in terms of punishment or supportive approaches. To understand how to support or intervene, let’s consider the influences on behavior.


Behavior from A Biological Standpoint


Advances in modern medicine provide us with extensive scientific information about the basis of behavioral change. Today, as we grow more aware of medical conditions and their relationship to behavior, we can better understand behavioral differences. As a result, we, as a society, have been able to support and positively influence those who struggle with behavioral challenges.




Biological and Brain Conditions that Influence Behavior


Most people think of behavior from a biological standpoint. Our society commonly defines behavioral differences from a diagnostic perspective. Here are some human conditions commonly known to affect human behavior:


  • Traumatic brain injuries

  • Concussions

  • Autism

  • Neurological conditions

  • PTSD

  • Drug, alcohol and other addictions

  • Emotional illnesses

  • Sleep deprivation


Medical professionals from various disciplines investigate cause and effect of behavioral change and, often, this is a complicated process. When someone fits a diagnosis, it helps medical professionals and others understand the root of their behavior. From there, we can encourage health and healing.




Cumulative Biological Effects


The brain and body are not separate entities. Biologically, our body, mind, and spirit continuum interrelates. Brain-based conditions influence other biological factors and vice versa. When several unhealthy biological factors cumulate, behavioral change can increase, inducing increased problematic behaviors.

For example, think about sleep health. If we are tired, we can be grumpy or short-tempered. When sleep deprived, we might even struggle to reason or process information — causing further emotional changes. Then, while struggling cognitively and/or emotionally, that might worsen sleep; the reciprocal effect becomes quite difficult to experience or difficult to treat.



To add to biological complexity, our bodies live within a complicated ecosystem. Our external environment influences our internal environment. That external environment has a host of other influential factors.


Beyond Biology: External Influences on Behavior


A diagnosis can be helpful to improve health and behavioral change, but often, we forget about other factors that are involved. Without this consideration, we cannot make a true positive influence.


When in undergraduate school at Kenyon, I chose a “synoptic major” in Neuroscience. My studies focused on Biology and Psychology and reached into Anthropology and Cultural and Social Studies. This opportunity helped me consider behavior from a systems perspective using interdisciplinary considerations.



I came to appreciate how biology and environment interrelate. Any factor of human existence and experience relates to a multitude of environmental factors that influence one another. This is true for behavior and is true for all of us.


Here are just a few external factors that affect behavior:

  • Physical and biological environment

  • Social influences and opinions

  • Socioeconomic factors

  • Childhood upbringing

  • Education

  • Social status and opportunities

  • Factors that influence learning and development


The interplay of internal and external factors is complex. In terms of the concept of “bad behavior,” we might consider how negative internal and external factors combine. They, too, can be cumulative as shown in this article. After experiencing several negative effects on behavior (internal biology and external environment), behavioral changes might cross the threshold and become a detriment.


Bad Behavior: Myth, Opinion, or Fact


We are complex humans, each uniquely individual. Medicalizing deviance, stigmatizing, and misunderstanding behavior can be pejorative, misleading, and insulting in its oversimplification.


Medicalizing Deviance is a Faulty Perspective


If behavior veers from the norm or becomes a challenge to others, society might deem a person as “a deviant” with “a medical problem.” This carries negative consequences for the individual and society. Even though diagnoses have a role in treatment, labels also affect self identification and societal perception. Accepting interpersonal difference is essential for cohabitation and functioning in a society.




If we blame differences on pathology, we also ignore the societal and pathological factors influencing human behavior. Like anything, behavioral modification does not work effectively unless we address all influencing factors. This book provides a sociological perspective on the effects of a pathological approach to deviance and difference.


Opinion & Judgement: The Root of Stigma


Many misunderstand the reasons for truly problematic behavior. When misunderstanding fosters judgement, behavioral and societal problems worsen, as do the related behaviors and suffering. This influences behavior negatively and cyclically.


With collective societal judgement, stigma ensues to the detriment of a person suffering from behavioral challenges. It also has a negative effect on society at large. We all need to ask, are we helping or promoting the problem? Read this to consider types, reasons, and impact of stigma.



Social misunderstanding and stigma is one reason some expose their experience to the public. Awareness is always the first step to understanding. This then leads to change. And positive change can lead to improved individual and societal health.


Understanding Behavior: It’s Not What You Think


A “logical” interpretation of another person’s behavioral change or challenge won’t get us where we need to go. Logic and fact can help, but understanding requires a further step. Humans understand through experience. As the saying goes, we don’t know what we don’t know.



Yet, those experiencing behavioral changes cannot expect everyone else to understand. Individuals with behavioral differences or problems (or those who love them) must advocate for themselves. By communicating their needs and exposing their suffering, a person is better understood and supported.


Supporting Those Living with Behavioral Differences, Changes, or Challenges


How do we ease the suffering and/or improve a relationship with someone who has a behavioral change, difference, or challenge? Because understanding comes from direct experience, you might consider these ways to provide support:


1. Learn directly from the person with the illness. Take a step in their shoes. When you empathically connect, consider these things:

  • What do they experience?

  • Why?

  • What worsens their challenges?

  • What helps?

  • What internal factors promote health?

  • What external factors support?

  • What alleviates their suffering?

  • What promotes the desired behavior?


2. Learn from others who positively support the affected individual. Ask them:

  • What do you observe?

  • What was your original perception of their behavior?

  • What have you learned about the reasons for the behavior?

  • Do you think I understand this correctly?

  • How can I become more educated on the topic?

  • How are you able to help?

  • What makes things worse?

  • How can I help positively, directly, or indirectly?


3. Learn from things that express the subjective experience of behavioral challenges and/or environmental influences on behavior. These might include: (1) articles, blogs, poetry, or other written works written by someone with the experience (2) social media and digital posts, and (3) tangible and intangible art that are representative or interpretative. Consider these things:


  • What is my personal reaction to the work?

  • What is the creator trying to express about their individual experience?

  • Is the creator challenging any misinterpretations and what are they?

  • How can I consider the topic from their point of view?


If you want to be a positive supporter or influence, ask yourself if you’ve done the homework. Have you taken the steps to understand? Have you gone beyond your own experiences, perspective, and opinion?


The Necessity of Rules & Regulations & The Right Way to Enforce


I would be remiss if I did not discuss the concept of misconduct in a larger social context.


What about behavior that society considers beyond acceptable? If behavior is a detriment to others, intervention is necessary for proper social relations and social health. Rules, regulations, laws, and policing exist for a reason. So, what should we do as a society to enforce healthy actions?


Intervention, if done the right way, is beneficial, not only for society but also for the wellbeing of a person with severe behavioral challenges. We might consider how we intervene for undesired behaviors. We cannot add a problem to a problem. Here again, considering the entire picture is most effective.


This applies, too, to criminal offenders that commit what we think of as “the worst of the worst” crimes. To elicit proper behavior and achieve a positive, supportive society, positive rehabilitation or intervention is necessary. This story shows how this might be done:



We must caution ourselves from believing that only the “mentally ill” and those from a certain race or social background are only perpetrators of unacceptable actions and crime. Studies show the opposite. Such misconceptions perpetuate related social problems. Read this article about common myths and misinformation about crime and criminal justice to consider this topic more.


Educated awareness of behavioral differences and related social factors is key. I’ve seen immense positive impact when politicians, officials, police and fire departments, and other public offices consider the complete picture of cause and effect of problematic behaviors.

Rules and regulations are important. The approach to reinforcement makes a difference.


Remember, we achieve nothing if we consider an issue or concept from only one discipline or perspective.


The Role and Responsibility of Those Who Experience Difficult Behaviors


If you struggle with difficult behaviors, you need to play a part, too. We are all responsible for our own behavior. Your way of being is up to you.


As we often hear, “Change Starts from Within.” This may be cliche, but it is a powerful truth. Without consciousness of the effect of your own behavior on others, you risk your own alienation, loneliness, and suffering. Sages, spiritual figures, psychologists, and motivational speakers prove the critical need for and usefulness of individual responsibility, self-improvement, and morality.



You’ve heard it before: “It’s Not Just About You.” Yes. If you want respect, love, and understanding from others, you’ve must give it in return. It is everyone’s responsibility to positively interact with others.


Everyone's Role in Promoting Behavioral Health


We all have the responsibility to promote and sustain positive behavior and behavioral health. This not only affects others individually, but influences the society we live in.

But, first, we must understand. The true meaning of empathy is to understand others. We must educate ourselves. We must also think from a global perspective and how factors interrelate.

It may be most effective for us all to ask ourselves some pretty direct questions…

Do we truly know what we think we know? Have we done our homework? Are we thinking beyond ourselves? And, are we taking personal ownership of our role and responsibility for the matter?



Remember, it’s not just about you. A responsible individual is conscientious of the entire system. So step up. Otherwise, your own behavior is part of the problem.


 

To learn more about psychology and how to improve yourself and the wellbeing of others, keep checking the MINDDESIGNMEDIA Psychology Blog.

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