Lyka C. Teodoro
PSYP02
Theories of Personality
1. Explain the behavior and thought process of the character based on 2 theoretical
perspectives (from Humanistic up to Behavioral).
2. If you are the therapist, how will you help the character to bring about some changes in
their lives? Consider what you will say and relate it to the theories you have chosen.
Case Study 1: Lyla
1. From a behavioral perspective, Lyla's behavior can be understood through conditioning
processes. Her careful cleaning habits and the value she places on cleanliness may have been
shaped by positive reinforcement when her actions were commended resulted in a sense of
accomplishment. Conversely, her tendency to throw fits when things are not in order could
originate from negative reinforcement, such as the removal of the unpleasant feeling associated
with disorganization.
Lyla's frugality and reluctance to spend money on non-essential items may be influenced by past
experiences where saving money was strengthened, possibly through praise or financial stability.
Furthermore, her pattern of ending relationships suddenly can be seen as learned behaviors,
possibly come from experiences where such actions resulted in attention or a sense of advantage.
From a humanistic perspective, Lyla's behavior can be seen in terms of her self-concept and need
for self-actualization. Lyla's strong liking to cleanliness and orderliness may link from her desire
to maintain a positive self-image and to meet societal norms of cleanliness. Her need for proof
and admiration from others, as evidenced by her enjoyment of compliments on her home, reflects
a desire for positive regard and acceptance from others.
However, despite her outward focus on maintaining her home and yard, Lyla may be rejecting
her own emotional needs and personal growth. Her unwillingness to engage in activities outside
of maintaining her home and her tendency to prioritize the needs of others over her own suggest
a lack of self-actualization.
2. To help Lyla bring about changes in her life, I could help Lyla apply techniques from both
behavioral and humanistic perspectives. From a behavioral view, as a therapist I may use
methods such as cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) to help Lyla identify and challenge the
unreasonable beliefs and thought patterns connecting her behavior.
As a therapist I could help Lyla know the connection between her cleaning habits and her need
for validation, and work with her to create healthier coping mechanisms for managing her
feelings. Additionally, behavioral interference such as progressive exposure therapy can be
utilized to help Lyla go up against her fear of disorder and give up a few of her control over her
environment.
From a humanistic perspective, I could provide unconditional positive regard and empathic
understanding to assist Lyla explore her feelings and develop a true sense of self.
Person-centered therapy techniques, such as active listening and empathic responding, could help
Lyla gain understanding into her inspirations and wants.
Case Study 2: Stan
1. From a behavioral perspective, Stan's drinking behavior can be seen as a learned response to
his social anxiety and feelings of deficiency. Stan may have started to turn on drinking alcohol as
a way to cope with overwhelming social situations and to ease feelings of anxiety and self-doubt.
The temporary relief given by alcohol may have support his drinking behavior, leading to a
pattern of too much drinking in response to stressful situations.
Stan's difficulty in forming and maintaining close relationships may also be influenced by
learned behaviors and past experiences. Negative interactions with his ex-wife and critical
raising may have contributed to his feelings of low self-worth and fear of rejection, further
establishing his tendency to isolate himself and rely on alcohol as a coping mechanism.
From a humanistic perspective, Stan's behavior can be seen in terms of his self-concept and need
for self-actualization. Stan's desire to improve himself and pursue a career in counseling reflects
his natural motivation to grow and develop as a person. His thought of his own struggles and
willingness to seek help show a basic belief in his ability for change and personal growth.
However, Stan's struggles with low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness shows a disconnect
between his current self-concept and his ideal self. Stan's
incapability to fully accept himself and his past mistakes may be preventing his ability to move
forward and form meaningful connections with others.
2. To help Stan bring about changes in his life, as a therapist I could apply techniques from both
behavioral and humanistic perspectives. From a behavioral view, I could utilize methods such as
cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to assist Stan identify and challenge unusual thought
patterns and behaviors related to his drinking.
I could help Stan recognize the triggers and inner emotions that lead to his drinking episodes,
and work with him to make healthier coping mechanism for managing stress and anxiety.
Behavioral interventions such as relaxation procedures and strength training could also be
utilized to help Stan build confidence and improve his social skills.
I could give Stan a supportive and nonjudgmental environment for Stan to explore his feelings
and create a greater self-awareness. Person-centered therapy techniques, such as active listening
and unconditional positive regard, could help Stan develop a more understanding and accepting
attitude towards himself.