Psych Your Mind: Are you really "all grown up"?
As we age physically, our psychological
perceptions also drastically change. In our
youth, it begins subtly: as psychologist Jean
Piaget's theory of cognitive development
notes, over approximately the first 10 years
of our life on this planet, we transform from
infants whose actions and reactions are by
and large determined by intrinsic reflexes to
prepubescent children capable of abstract
thinking and inferential reasoning. To this,
psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg adds that
in conjunction with our acquisition of
knowledge and logic also comes a change in
how one interprets what's right/good and
what's wrong/evil.
As kids, we obey the rules that are dictated to us purely out of fear of repercussion and/or desire for reward — a typical example of operant conditioning. From here, through the indoctrination of social norms, we begin to understand how being a "good citizen" will personally serve us well. As we grow older still, ideally we reach the final stop in Kohlberg's stages of moral development in which we not only internalize a personal moral compass that we willingly abide by, but further embrace an ethical point of view in respect to our treatment of all others.
Beyond intellectual and moral growth, our views in reference to the self, others, our life goals, our desires/dreams and how we define our place in society also shift. An embarrassing anecdote from my childhood proves illustrative. Apparently, I once told my mom that my career ambitions were as follows: to be a Dickie Dee ice cream salesperson in the summer and a T-bar ski lift attendant in the winter. Beyond its simple amusement, this tale offers some interesting insight into my childhood perceptions and values: it demonstrates that I understood seasonal work and the need to be employed year round, as well as recognized that these two services were important among families. It also proves my initial point: that we change DRASTICALLY.
There is a caveat to that last statement, however. While my current vocational goals far exceed those of five-year-old Rose, I am still a very service-oriented individual. Major personality traits, such as whether one is introverted or extroverted, for example, are typically resilient throughout the course of one's life.
So how does all of this relate to you in your present state of affairs? The cognitive changes we've discussed thus far are more or less part and parcel to "physically" growing up. In contrast, when you reach the life stage you're at now, change and self-growth largely become a choice determined by experiential factors. In other words, we ALL regularly find ourselves entwined with varying bouts of human drama and tragedy. BUT we do not all deal with said situations the same way. The stark differences in "coping" behaviours that can be observed among socalled "adult" humans ultimately result from one of two self-contemplations:
1. The Psychologically Mature Approach: Will I allow this situation to be a source of personal growth? If so, what can I learn from it? How can I analyze each point of view objectively so that I can ascertain a thorough understanding of all parties involved?
2. The Juvenile Approach: Will I externalize all blame and get defensive if someone dares to point their finger toward my actions as potentially contributing to the situation? Will I find every means possible to rationalize myself as the "blameless victim" and/or "rightfully justified party," even when logic that clearly suggests otherwise is thrown in my face? Will I grow bitter as others flourish around me and I never seemed to be given any "chances"?
It goes without saying that neither choice can peacefully be made nor accepted until one is less clouded by their emotions. What I need to strongly emphasize here though is the fact that option two is a CHOICE. Just like a positive, happy demeanour is determined by an individual's willingness and desire to be grateful and to focus on the good things in their life, juvenility is an accepted choice resulting from a disinterest in being introspective and/or accepting personal responsibility. Perhaps here would be a good time for another real-life account.
I have this friend who truly is a textbook example of everything NOT to do. He's what I call a "runner" in that every time something goes awry in his life, instead of confronting the issue, he convinces himself that he'll be able to start fresh by relocating to another city. The problem, of course, is that it's not the scenery that is the dilemma, but rather the repeated poor decisions he makes. It always goes the same way; accordingly, it's getting increasingly difficult to have any sense of empathy toward him.
Initially, he's happy as a clam. He finds a nice new neighbourhood, gets himself a decent job and things are seemingly looking up. He couldn't be happier — moving was the right choice. Then, he inevitably gets involved with a less-than-classy dame whose sexual history you're probably better off not knowing. Within a week, he's already thinking about moving in with her and getting hitched. He's in love, but it's surely not a healthy love.
He becomes possessive-bordering on obsessive-toward the gal, who made it clear from the get-go that frankly she's not really the "marriageable" type. He either begins to suspect she's cheating on him or hiding a pregnancy or both, they erupt into WWIII and once again, his life is "over." He loses all sense of personal composure and his job too in the meantime. He mopes around for a couple of weeks and then "Eureka!" The solution to solving all of his problems appears: skipping town... yet again.
Now, I'm sure you're all familiar with Einstein's apt definition of insanity: the repetition of the same behaviour over and over again with the expectation that the results will be different. I'd like to suggest that this definition can equally apply to those who opt for the aforementioned choice numero two when facing adversity.
Instead of analyzing his actions that have led him to this same spot time and time again, my friend adopts the "poor me syndrome." Consequently, he never accepts responsibility for his own contributing behaviours and thereby NEVER ultimately grows as a person. And that, my friends, for many, is the irony of aging!
In a nutshell, this month's lesson is as follows: Acknowledge the choices embedded within your actions and reactions. If you're unhappy with the end results, look to YOURSELF to improve the situation.
Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.
As kids, we obey the rules that are dictated to us purely out of fear of repercussion and/or desire for reward — a typical example of operant conditioning. From here, through the indoctrination of social norms, we begin to understand how being a "good citizen" will personally serve us well. As we grow older still, ideally we reach the final stop in Kohlberg's stages of moral development in which we not only internalize a personal moral compass that we willingly abide by, but further embrace an ethical point of view in respect to our treatment of all others.
Beyond intellectual and moral growth, our views in reference to the self, others, our life goals, our desires/dreams and how we define our place in society also shift. An embarrassing anecdote from my childhood proves illustrative. Apparently, I once told my mom that my career ambitions were as follows: to be a Dickie Dee ice cream salesperson in the summer and a T-bar ski lift attendant in the winter. Beyond its simple amusement, this tale offers some interesting insight into my childhood perceptions and values: it demonstrates that I understood seasonal work and the need to be employed year round, as well as recognized that these two services were important among families. It also proves my initial point: that we change DRASTICALLY.
There is a caveat to that last statement, however. While my current vocational goals far exceed those of five-year-old Rose, I am still a very service-oriented individual. Major personality traits, such as whether one is introverted or extroverted, for example, are typically resilient throughout the course of one's life.
So how does all of this relate to you in your present state of affairs? The cognitive changes we've discussed thus far are more or less part and parcel to "physically" growing up. In contrast, when you reach the life stage you're at now, change and self-growth largely become a choice determined by experiential factors. In other words, we ALL regularly find ourselves entwined with varying bouts of human drama and tragedy. BUT we do not all deal with said situations the same way. The stark differences in "coping" behaviours that can be observed among socalled "adult" humans ultimately result from one of two self-contemplations:
1. The Psychologically Mature Approach: Will I allow this situation to be a source of personal growth? If so, what can I learn from it? How can I analyze each point of view objectively so that I can ascertain a thorough understanding of all parties involved?
2. The Juvenile Approach: Will I externalize all blame and get defensive if someone dares to point their finger toward my actions as potentially contributing to the situation? Will I find every means possible to rationalize myself as the "blameless victim" and/or "rightfully justified party," even when logic that clearly suggests otherwise is thrown in my face? Will I grow bitter as others flourish around me and I never seemed to be given any "chances"?
It goes without saying that neither choice can peacefully be made nor accepted until one is less clouded by their emotions. What I need to strongly emphasize here though is the fact that option two is a CHOICE. Just like a positive, happy demeanour is determined by an individual's willingness and desire to be grateful and to focus on the good things in their life, juvenility is an accepted choice resulting from a disinterest in being introspective and/or accepting personal responsibility. Perhaps here would be a good time for another real-life account.
I have this friend who truly is a textbook example of everything NOT to do. He's what I call a "runner" in that every time something goes awry in his life, instead of confronting the issue, he convinces himself that he'll be able to start fresh by relocating to another city. The problem, of course, is that it's not the scenery that is the dilemma, but rather the repeated poor decisions he makes. It always goes the same way; accordingly, it's getting increasingly difficult to have any sense of empathy toward him.
Initially, he's happy as a clam. He finds a nice new neighbourhood, gets himself a decent job and things are seemingly looking up. He couldn't be happier — moving was the right choice. Then, he inevitably gets involved with a less-than-classy dame whose sexual history you're probably better off not knowing. Within a week, he's already thinking about moving in with her and getting hitched. He's in love, but it's surely not a healthy love.
He becomes possessive-bordering on obsessive-toward the gal, who made it clear from the get-go that frankly she's not really the "marriageable" type. He either begins to suspect she's cheating on him or hiding a pregnancy or both, they erupt into WWIII and once again, his life is "over." He loses all sense of personal composure and his job too in the meantime. He mopes around for a couple of weeks and then "Eureka!" The solution to solving all of his problems appears: skipping town... yet again.
Now, I'm sure you're all familiar with Einstein's apt definition of insanity: the repetition of the same behaviour over and over again with the expectation that the results will be different. I'd like to suggest that this definition can equally apply to those who opt for the aforementioned choice numero two when facing adversity.
Instead of analyzing his actions that have led him to this same spot time and time again, my friend adopts the "poor me syndrome." Consequently, he never accepts responsibility for his own contributing behaviours and thereby NEVER ultimately grows as a person. And that, my friends, for many, is the irony of aging!
In a nutshell, this month's lesson is as follows: Acknowledge the choices embedded within your actions and reactions. If you're unhappy with the end results, look to YOURSELF to improve the situation.
Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.
