Psychological behavior: Kristy’s case study

Psychological behavior: Kristy’s case study

1. What specific behavior is Kristy displaying? Are there any descriptions, interpretations, summary labels etc. for behavior that you will want to clarify?

Kristy is specifically displaying target behavior. Basing the argument from the simple definition of target behavior; any behavior chosen to trigger change, it is clear that the girl is not comfortable with the current situation which she has found herself. First, it is clear from the story that she has grown up with her family in full, which is her mother, father and sister. Secondly, she has not been used to conflicts in the family. But what is the condition recently as depicted in the story line? Very different from what she has been used to. Her parents have begun fighting often and loudly in her presence which also has resulted to her father moving away followed by her sister. Kristy is therefore more likely exhibiting her current behavior to expresses her feelings against loneliness and conflict in the house which she calls for change.

2. Do you feel you have ethical grounds to attempt to address Kristy’s behavior? Why?

Yes, I can attempt and address Kristy’s behavior ethically. Because as it has been depicted in her story, Kristy has been used to routine activities in her life time running as she expects. And that is what he enjoys. Any alteration would therefore hurt the girl because ethically she thinks deviating from her expectations is wrong. She has been used to living in a conflict free house and with her family members but here comes a change to that routine where he faces loneliness after her father and sister moves away. Secondly, he witnesses conflicts with her parents. Both events hurt her because it is not what she has been used. This as a result leads to change in her behavior as a way of condemning the two occurrences.

3. What environmental factors may be contributing to Kristy’s troubling behavior? Provide evidence from the case study to support your ideas.

Basing the argument in the story of Kristy, there are two environmental factors which have fueled her change of behavior. These factors are loneliness and conflicts between her parents. As depicted in the story, Kristy loves having her daily routine progress as per her expectations and does not enjoy any interference. Considering her routine from childhood, she has been used to an environment where she interacts with her whole family members. She has also been used to a conflict free environment. Conflicts between her parents which has resulted to departure of her father and sister has introduced two new environments which she has not been used to, loneliness and violent, factors which may be responsible or her troubling behavior.

4. What behavior(s) would be helpful for Kristy to learn? What could be done to create an environment that would support more positive behavior?

Conscious behavior will be helpful for Kristy to learn. This is in consideration to the fact that the behavior of Kristy just but a harm to herself. Adopting conscious behavior could at least make her realize that and stop the behavior. In order to create an environment which would support more positive behavior, routine activities which Kristy has been used to on daily basis should be upheld. Additional practices which seem to encourage the girl’s positive behavior are also advisable like exposing her to other kids for interaction.

5. What challenges might you face in addressing the environmental determinants of Kristy’s behavior?

Communication barrier is a challenge likely to be faced when addressing the environmental determinants of Kristy’s behavior. Considering that the girl doesn’t communicate, knowing whether a certain environment pleases her or hurts her may be very difficult since the only way to gauge that is by observing her behavior under different environments. An environment that may appear to please her based on a normal person point of view may not please her at all. This therefore calls for more attention to be able to observe her behavior under different types of environments.