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Self-Confidence Theory Is A Psychological Term Paper

Ellis' belief was that individual who could take charge of their emotions would be rational thinkers and thus would approach conflicts confidently, working towards compromises, minimalizing risks and willingness to sacrifice immediate needs for the more important long-term benefits. Skinner also provides insight into the issue of individual self-confidence. According to Skinner, individual's act in accordance to their heredity and environment. In other words, underlying all behavior is the assumption that individual behavior is predetermined by learning and reinforcement. In order to acquire new skills, one has to be taught. Thus, individuals can be taught self-confidence through positive reinforcement. For example, if an individual's action results in a positive outcome, they will be more likely to continue to repeat this behavior because it builds confidence. On the other hand, if the outcome is negative, self-confidence is decreased and that individual is less likely to repeat the behavior.

According to Skinner, proper behavior can be modified. Through his behavior modification therapy technique, known as b-mod, one could extinguish a negative behavior by removing the reinforcer and replacing it with desirable reinforcement.

Victor Fankl, another self-confidence theorist, argues that all individuals have a healthy and resilient core. This core allows individuals to overcome adversity through the discovery of the purpose of life and the reaching of personal goals. If a person's self-confidence is lacking, meaning that their core is effected by a feeling of meaninglessness, the solution is to assist the individual with discovering their individual meaning through a focus on goal achievement. Frankl's...

Through a process of logotherapy the individual will be able to uncover the otherwise veiled meaning of their existence, which leads to a reestablishment of their mental health.
In conclusion, despite the various theories of self-confidence, it can be summarized that self-confidence is an attitude that allows an individual to have a positive and realistic view of themselves as they related to society. As a whole, self-confident individuals trust their own abilities and act in a controlled, reasonable way, exerting their will, plan and expectations of the group, or community.

On the other hand, individuals who lack self-confidence do not always lack ability. Instead, they lack the ability to understand, or see, their ability. This lack of vision causes these individuals to focus on unrealistic expectations, which typically they cannot meet. This continued cycle of failure and unrealistic expectations further decreases self-confidence, leading to an irrational and isolated individual.

Although all of the above cited theorist have varying views on how to approach the issue of self-confidence, they all generally agree that, through therapy, an individual can improve how they view themselves, deal with the surrounding community and thus improve their self-confidence. To do this, the therapy must focus on self-affirmation and discovering individual ability through the establishment of obtainable goals.

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