Jordon J. Hagen
PSY/250
May 18, 2012
Valerie Murphy
In the following paper, I will analyze one of my habits and how the habit was developed. I will discuss whether or not there were role models during the formation of this habit and which, if any, people influenced the adoption of this habit. If I continue this habit and if there has ever been a time when I have attempted to break this habit will be analyzed as well. The behavioral personality theory will be used to explain why I formed this habit. I will describe components of social and cognitive theory and explain why the habit formed. I will also develop a plan that applies operant conditioning to change this habit. In conclusion, I will discuss which theory best explains my personality.
When I was an adolescent child I remember absolutely despising three things in life, littering, drunk- people, and smoking, usually in that specified order too, smoking obviously being my least favorite of the three. It seemed like everyone I knew smoked, my entire family, including parents and grandparents, my cousins, even my friend’s parents, I didn’t understand why either. Wherever I went, whosever house, home, or vehicle I was in, friend or family, it was always filled with smoke, I hated that smell! I couldn’t seem to escape it, and whenever they smoked it was constantly in my face and eyes. I vowed then and there to never ever smoke, no matter what life occurrences transpire. When I turned sixteen, I started smoking.
At first, I think I just enjoyed the so-called “buzz” from the nicotine rush when someone first begins smoking, we were young teenagers full of angst and rebelliousness, experimenting and trying new things and experiences. I was still underage so it was still illegal for me to buy or possess cigarettes, but teenagers are resourceful when it comes to these matters. Since everyone else was doing it I never looked-up-to any one person or
References: Smoking: psychological and social influences. (). http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/smoking/psychologicalinfluences_000509.htm, (), .