Question

reflect on Fournies' statement that all behavior is a result of associated consequences. The assertion is that people will continue to do things that result in positive consequences and will stop doing things that have negative consequences. What do you think about that? Can you think of examples that may prove that theory wrong? Smoking cigarettes, alcoholism, and drug addiction are wrought with negative consequences, yet people still participate in those activities despite the consequences. How can that be differentiated from what Fournies is talking about? Please include your thoughts on this topic as well.

Answer 1

• This assertion is right that people will do certain things that will lead to a positive outcome for them.Gor example,in your workplace,you wont indulge in wrong behaviour or even delay you work since you know working hard and submitting your projects on time would lead to increments and promotions.
• In everyday life as well,helping a needy person would make you feel positive about yourself.
• But on the other hand,people also engage in things which they are aware of are wrong but stilll do it. Behaviours like drugs,alcohol etc. are detrimental for health but people engage in it since it acts as an emotional defense mechanism for them sometimes when in stress or depression and slowly it becomes an addiction. Mental health could a major reason for this especially in adults.
• Some people are high risk takers as well like for example,teenagers engaging in road rage or delinquent behaviours like theft,which is done "just for fun". The adrenaline rush is something which motivates them to do this negative thing despite knowing the consequences if they get caught.
• People who take perilous paths are psychologically different.High risk takers are more impulsive in nature and therefore engaged in negative behaviours. Hormonal changes could be another reason expecially in adolescents.
• There are a host of other such self-defeating behaviors which seem inherently unpleasant such as procrastination, withdrawal, whining or complaining, and so on, but which are engaged in repeatedly, even compulsively. It is as if these self-defeating behaviors were required to validate a person’s identity.