TOWARDS EFFECTIVE UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGEMENT OF DIFFERENT PERSONALITIES AND HUMAN BEHAVIOUR By Prof. (Mrs.) Mopelola Omoegun Dean, Faculty of Education Ajayi Crowther University

Introduction No two individuals are exactly alike due to the effect of nature and nurture. Man as a social animal does not and cannot function in isolation, hence the need to understand and appreciate other people’s personalities and behavior. 3 Principles of Behaviour (Bruner, 1962) Learning theory. That behavior has consequences : That the consequences of a behavior will determine whether the behavior will occur again or not That a behavior that receives positive or good consequences will repeat itself while the one that receives negative consequences will diminish.

Behaviourist Theory States that a bad behaviour is learnt, therefore it can be unlearnt – Examples of bad behavior:- disobedience, smoking, stealing, lying, drug abuse, sex abuse, 419, exam malpractices, cheating etc. Fafunwa believed causes of indiscipline behaviour may be attributed to “uncertainty of sanctions” - god-fatherism, bribery and corruption. IV a. Different Personalities and Attached behaviours Sanguine Person – changeable, flitting joyfully like a butterfly Choleric - with excess of bile, usually head strong and easily provoked to anger Melancholic – Prone to frequent sorrow and depression Phlegmatic - slow to move and not easily stirred by emotion; (placid due to excess of phlegm)

b. Modern classification:- Introversion Extroversion The personalities result from nature and nature., (heredity and environment.) a. Heredity are generic traits transferred by parents to offspring at conception. b. Environment refers to all other factors that affect the growth and development of human beings apart from heredity e.g. nutrition, drugs, parenting types, siblings, peer group, the school etc.

4 Parenting Styles (Michael Rutter) Authoritarian – rigidity and strict rules which can lead to depression in children. Permissive – indulgence and no limit setting can lead to poor impulse control Indifferent – neglect and lack of involvement Reciprocal - shared decision making leads to a sense of self reliance The most effective parenting however, involves consistency and reward for good behaviour and punishment for undesirable behaviour both of which should occur within the context of a warm and loving environment.

Techniques for increasing a behaviour (behaviour modification) include:- Positive reinforcement Shaping Modeling Fading Pre-mack principle or “Grandma’s Rule.”

3 Categories of Reward Verbal reward Social Monetary/material reward

Concluding Always remember that our fingers are not equal so do not have same personalities. However, the Golden rule says – “do unto others as you want others to do unto you.” Learn to correct others with love and accept them unconditionally for God is love.