The Self: Can Behaviorism Inform the Study of The Self?

Abstract

Burrhus Frederic Skinner’s discussion of Self-Control begins with the explanation of its implicit nature in establishing relations between stimuli and responses. In functional analysis an independent variable operates as a means of controlling a behavior response for either an analyst or individual. This phenomenon is the focus of experimental science and validating the relational effect is the objective of behaviorist study. Regarding individuals controlling their own behavior their issue of responsibility is of relevance. A major part of adolescent development is learning to take responsibility for his or her self. The learning process coincides with biological, social, and psychological developments that must be navigated with care to avoid negative effects on the individual’s self-concept and self-efficacy (belief in one’s capacity to function competently). Developing a behavior response repertoire to environmental stimuli is a moment to moment endeavor that Skinner acknowledges but insists on focusing on the behavior and not the behaving individual. By discriminating between stimuli and altering environmental circumstances organisms behave. Citation: Hunter G (2019) The Self: Can Behaviorism Inform the Study of The Self?. J Psychiatry Depress Anxiety 5: 021.