Comparing Behaviorism and Humanism Learning Theories in Understanding Mike's Situation

Introduction

The Case of Mike is one that deals with addiction and how to overcome it. Mike was introduced to drugs at an early age, as a treatment for ADHD. Eventually, he took to harder drugs and ended up prison. Now he is out and wants to stay clean. Two contrasting learning theories can be applied to the case study of Mike are Skinner's Behaviorism, which emphasizes the role of environmental reinforcement and punishment in shaping behavior, and Rogers' Humanism, which focuses on the individual's subjective experience and intrinsic motivation. This paper will look at Mikes case from the perspective of these two theories, compare and contrast them, and show how they can be applied to Mikes situation.

Skinner's Behaviorism

B.F. Skinner's behaviorism theory, or the theory of operant conditioning, rests on the assumption that all behavior is a product of conditioning, with reinforcement and punishment shaping future actions (Schlinger, 2021). According to this theory, behaviors that are followed by desirable consequences (reinforcements) are likely to be repeated, while behaviors followed by undesirable consequences (punishments) are not likely to be repeated.

A key strength of Skinner's theory is its focus on observable behaviors and measurable outcomes. This makes it highly empirical and applicable in a variety of practical settings. For instance, behaviorism has been widely used in clinical psychology to treat various conditions through techniques such as behavior modification and systematic desensitization (Kafes, 2021). It has also used in education to shape student behavior and learning through positive and negative reinforcements.

However, a significant criticism of Skinner's behaviorism is its disregard for cognitive processes such as thoughts, beliefs, and expectations. Skinner argued that internal mental states were unnecessary for explaining behavior, but many modern psychologists argue that cognition plays a significant role in learning and behavior (Povinelli, 2020). For example, cognitive-behavioral therapies, which integrate principles from both cognitive and behaviorist theories, have been shown to be highly effective for many mental health issues.

Furthermore, Skinner's behaviorism is deterministic, suggesting that behavior is wholly determined by the environment. This leaves little room for individual agency or free will. Critics argue that individuals are not just passive recipients of environmental influences, but active constructors of their own behavior. Nonetheless, Skinner's behaviorism theory has been foundational in psychology as its principles of reinforcement and punishment continue to be applied in practice.

Rogers's Humanism

Carl Rogers' humanistic theory, also known as person-centered theory, posits that humans have an inherent tendency towards growth and self-actualization - becoming their best and most fulfilled selves. It proposes that individuals are driven by their own subjective experience, with emphasis on personal freedom, choice, and responsibility (Rusu, 2019).

One of the key strengths of Rogers' humanistic theory is its holistic approach to understanding individuals. Rather than reducing human behavior to isolated mechanisms or processes, it considers the whole person, including their subjective experiences, emotions, and inherent drive towards growth. This approach recognizes the unique complexity of each individual and respects their autonomy...

…hand, a humanistic intervention might involve person-centered therapy. This could help Mike explore his feelings of fear and perfectionism, and foster self-acceptance, which is crucial for his recovery. If he becomes too down on himself because of imperfections, he may fall back into drug use. Thus, it would be important for him to be accepting of imperfections while working to get moving and stay moving in the right direction, pursuing realistic goals that align with his ideal self.

While both interventions could be beneficial, the humanistic approach seems more suited for Mike's case. His perfectionism and fear of failure point to a deep-seated internal conflict, which requires more than just behavior modification. He needs to reconcile with his past and build a positive self-concept, which person-centered therapy could provide. Furthermore, research suggests that therapeutic techniques based on humanistic principles, such as motivational interviewing, are effective in treating substance use disorders (Miller & Rollnick, 2012).

Conclusion

Both Skinner's behaviorism and Rogers's humanism provide valuable insights into understanding Mike's situation. However, given his intrinsic motivation for personal growth and the need for self-acceptance, interventions grounded in humanistic principles would likely be more beneficial for his recovery and reintegration. Rogers's humanism theory emphasizes the inherent goodness of people and the importance of self-actualization. It suggests that individuals are innately motivated to learn and grow, with learning being a self-directed and transformative process. Its strength is its holistic view of individuals. While Skinners theory can help to explain how Mike became addicted, application of Rogers…