Understanding Behavior Essays - Mundo Moy Akin,

Understanding Behavior The behavior of a person can usually be explained by that person's state of mind. The external conduct is almost always directly linked to internal emotions. Knowing this fact is very beneficial to someone like a guidance counsellor because it lets him or her almost "read" the physchlogical state of a student based entirely on their behavior. In Darlene's case her behavior has been very well documented making the task of phsycological assesment a much easier job. There are many facets to Dralene's behavior, each revealing a different part of her state of mind. Judging from the way she dresses and is groomed it appears as if she comes from a family less wealthy than most of the other children at her school. This has probably been a factor in her sullen behavior. Because she can't afford more expensive clothes, she has been put into a different social class than most of her peers. It is known that all humans have an emotional need to be "accepted" by their peers but unfortunat for Darlene, being accepted is a need that she has not satisfied due to her lack of wealth. Darlene also expressed that this form "classism" against her was apparent at sunday school. It was so great in fact that she actually quit the classes to get away from the sunday school "snobs". It should come as no surprise that Darlene has also expressed a desire to quit highschool as well. This may also explain her reluctance to join any clubs and the way she anticipates unfriendly reactions from people she meets. Darlene's teachers agree that although Darlene has an above average intellect, she still only aquires average marks. I believe this problem can be traced to her parents. It si known that Darlene's parents keep Darlene in 6 days of the week, and when they do let her out she must be home at ten. It is also known that Darlene must do alot of housework on the weekends if she wants to get her weekly allowance and that her parents do not approve of her friends. Darlene's poor pe nce in school may very well be Darlene's way of "getting back" at her parents. By getting average marks she is trying to tell her parents that keeping her in and being so restrictive of her social activities won't help her school work, it will only make it worst. I will assume that Darlene also feels like her parents don't pay enough attention to her. Both her parents probably work, explaining why Darlene has so many responsibilities at home, and neither of them likely have much time to spend with their daughter. Darlene would also like more freedom to do go out and choose friends. The physological needs Darlene lacks are social acceptance, attention from her parents and freedom. If I were to advise Darlene on a course of action it would be to discuss the problem with her parents and not to try and hurt them by doing poorly in school because that is not hurting her parents, it is only hurting her. I would tell her that the only person in the world Darlene can change is herself. I would also tell Darlene that any peer that does not like her based solely on how much money she has is not worth having as a friend. I would tell her to ignore people who treat her badly becuase of her lack of wealth and eventually they will stop annoying her because they will not get any reaction from her. Darlene will have to work on her attitude though, so she can be more sociable and more accepted.