Workbook 2
Student name: Syuen Ern Tang
Western Sydney University
Subject name and number: BEHV2018, 22106096
Tutor name: Wing Fu
Due Date: 18th April, 2025
Total word count used: 444
Workbook 2
Abraham Maslow and Albert Bandura are both highly influential figures within the field
of psychology, each contributing perspectives on human motivation and behaviour. Maslow is
best known for his Hierarchy of Needs, a humanistic theory which suggests that individuals’
personal growth is driven by an innate desire to reach self-actualisation once their basic
physiological and psychological needs are met. While in contrast, Bandura’s social cognitive
theory emphasises the importance of learning and behaviour change through self-efficacy. This
workbook will explore how these different perspectives lead to separate approaches used to
support someone in overcoming their fear of failure.
From Bandura’s perspective, helping someone overcome their fear of failure would
involve strengthening their self-efficacy. According to Bandura, self-efficacy is defined as being
your belief that if you perform some behaviour, it will get you a desired positive outcome
(Bandura, 1989; 1994; 2012). A fear of failure often stems from low self-efficacy, where
individuals doubt their capabilities, as well as personal factors affecting their behaviour. For
example, if that individual thinks that they will fail at something, Bandura 1995 had suggested
that this increases the likelihood of them failing, as they approach that task with the mindset that
they will fail. When helping someone overcome their fear of failure, Bandura would focus on
building that person’s confidence in their capabilities through strategies such as completing tasks
successfully, social modelling and verbal persuasion. By focusing on self-belief and influencing
your cognitions and feelings, both are likely to influence whether that individual uses these
targets to overcoming fear. For example, if a student who fears failing a subject may benefit from
scaffolded tasks that gradually increase in complexity, allowing them to build confidence and
competence with each successful task they complete.
On the other hand, Maslow’s humanistic perspective believes that overcoming a fear of
failure involves approaching deeper psychological needs and supporting the individual towards
self-actualisation. Self-actualisation is the process of fulfilling one’s potential and becoming the
best and complete version of oneself. According to Maslow, self-actualisation can only occur
once more basic needs (such as love, safety and esteem) are satisfied. For example, someone
who has experienced constant criticism or rejection may develop a fear of failure because their
self-worth is jeopardised. Maslow would suggest creating a supportive, non-judgmental
atmosphere that fosters emotional safety and encourages personal growth which can result in
educators or mentors focusing on building positive relationships, recognising effort, and
validating individual strengths. By fulfilling these foundational needs, individuals are more
likely to develop the resilience and inner motivation to pursue goals without being paralysed by
fear. This strategy would involve creating a safe, encouraging environment where their emotional
needs and efforts are acknowledged.
References
Maltby, J., Day, L., & Macaskill, A. (2022). Personality, individual differences and intelligence
(5th ed.). Pearson.
Workbook 3
Student name: Syuen Ern Tang
Western Sydney University
Subject name and number: BEHV2018, 22106096
Tutor name: Wing Fu
Due Date: 18th April, 2025
Total word count used: 398
Western psychological theories of personality generally conceptualise the individual as a
distinct, self- contained system defined by internal traits and cognitive processes. These models,
such as trait theory or psychoanalytic approaches, often aim to categorise personality as a set of
stable characteristics that are consistent across time and context. In contrast, Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander perspectives offer a holistic and relational model of personality that
emphasizes the interconnectedness of self, community, land and spirit (Dudgeon et al., 2022).
In Western psychology, personality is typically assessed through models such as the Big
Five, which include traits like openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and
neuroticism. These traits are viewed as inherent to the individual, largely unaffected by social or
cultural environments. However, this approach has been criticised for its cultural bias and lack of
relevance to Indigenous understandings of selfhood. Dudgeon et al. (2022) argues that such
models neglect critical dimensions of Aboriginal people, such as cultural identity, kinships, and
connection to Country.
Indigenous models of personality instead place the self within a broader network of
relationships and responsibilities. The self is not seen as isolated but as deeply embedded within
the community, culture, spirituality, and the land. According to Dudgeon et al. (2022), Aboriginal
concepts of selfhood are educated by cultural values, history, and collective identity. This holistic
model is dynamic and evolving, shaped by ongoing cultural practices and the impacts of
colonisation and systemic marginalisation.
The Indigenous perspective on personality significantly influences wellbeing. For
example, the National Empowerment Project’s Cultural, Social, and Emotional Wellbeing
(CSEWB) program found that reconnecting individuals with cultural knowledge, community,
and land promoted healing and psychological resilience (Dudgeon et al., 2022). Participants who
engaged in culturally grounded programs reported reduced psychological distress and improved
emotional wellbeing, showing that cultural identity and social connection are crucial within
health.
In summary, both Western psychological theories and Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander perspectives offer valuable ways of understanding personality. While Western
approaches often focus on internal traits and individual behaviours, Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander models highlight the importance of relationships, culture, spirituality, and connection to
Country. Rather than one being better than the other, these perspectives can complement each
other, offering a richer and more inclusive understanding of what shapes a person’s sense of self.
Importantly, Indigenous frameworks also provide culturally grounded and meaningful ways to
support mental health and wellbeing, especially within their own communities.
References
Dudgeon, P., Derry, K. L., Mascall, C., & Ryder, A. (2022). Understanding Aboriginal models of
selfhood: The National Empowerment Project’s Cultural, Social, and Emotional
Wellbeing program in Western Australia. International Journal of Environmental
Research and Public Health, 19(7), 4078. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19074078