Understanding the nature of human behavior requires an understanding of the constructs that play a role in influencing human behavior! Such constructs include environment, heredity, self-image, values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviors. Without such understanding, the proverbial puzzle remains..."Why do we behave the way we do"?

 One's environmental and hereditary influences play a significant role in helping to form the basis of why we ultimately behave the way we do.

 Such influences play a role in determining not only characteristics such as sex and other physical features, but also various affective constructs such as self-esteem, values, attitudes and resultant behaviors.  In short, we are truly products of both environment and heredity. 

 To fully understand the self, an honest self-analysis is key.  It is critical that a thorough analysis of early life environmental factors such as parental influences, socio-economic considerations and the like be undertaken.  In addition, it is important to know the types of hereditary influences that one has acquired from parents, grandparents etc. 

Both of these major influences play a significant role in forming overall behavior. 

When I was working with at-risk and adjudicated youth, focus sessions were provided such that these youth could be allowed to understand the controlling influencing factors in their respective behaviors. 

A thorough analysis of both environmental and hereditary influences was conducted.  Each participant was urged to explore their individual feelings about various experiences they could recall while growing up in the family.  The basic intent was to allow the youth to understand when and how they had begun to develop both positive and negative feelings.

The results of this analysis were discussed and then explorations were conducted such that the youth could link such feelings with various value realms such as feelings about people, places, things and events. Following this phase of self-analysis, an exploration of linkages of values to attitudes was conducted.

The central thrust of this exercise was to allow the youth to gain a better understanding as to why they behaved the way they do in various life situations. 

 The above model was used as a focal point of analysis and discussion in both individual and group sessions.

 For additional information regarding this subject, feel free to contact me. I have conducted workshops for teachers, counselors and other groups of professionals that work with at-risk youth.