On Tuesday, October 1st, at Coffee Bar Tuesday at the MuYI Hub. A group of thirty-two young people met to discuss behavioral psychology. The discussion featured a wide range of opinions and some great points into what it means to be human and how the mind functions.

The study of behavioural psychology focuses on how our surroundings influences our behaviour. It examines the motivations behind our activities, concentrating on routines, responses, and actions that we frequently carry out without giving them much thought. To put it plainly, it’s about realizing the motivations underlying your behaviour and determining how to adjust it as necessary.

Big or small, we’ve all had aspects of ourselves that we’d like to improve. For some, it could be the ongoing struggle with procrastination—delaying assignments until the very last minute, even if they are aware that this is not the most efficient way to do them. Others may find it difficult to go to bed too late, even when they are aware that they should sleep more.

The variety of human habits that behavioural psychology may help us comprehend includes talking back to people, sleep talking, and even more private behaviours like masturbation.
A recurring problem in certain households is the so-called “black tax.” This is a reference to the belief that someone must financially assist their extended family if they reach a certain level of achievement. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but for those who are always expected to take care of others, it might cause stress, guilt, or feelings of pressure.

Our surroundings greatly impact the things we do. A large portion of human behaviour is taught through reinforcement, which means that we are more likely to repeat an action that makes us happy or keeps us from feeling uncomfortable. As an illustration:
• Procrastination: You may put off a chore because it will temporarily relieve your tension. According to behavioural psychology, you should make tiny, doable adjustments like segmenting activities into smaller pieces and rewarding yourself when you finish each one.
• Staying Up Late: After a hectic day, staying up late may seem like a nice way to spend “me time”. But in the long run, this behaviour may harm your health. Developing a more calming night-time routine and rewarding yourself for going to bed sooner are two strategies suggested by behavioural psychology.

• Talking Back: You may be reacting instinctively if you frequently respond verbally to attacks. Instead of responding defensively, behavioural strategies could assist you in pausing, taking a deep breath, and responding calmly.
• Masturbation: Some people may wish to break the practice of masturbating less frequently. Behavioural psychology can assist in identifying habit-forming triggers, such as stress or boredom, and in substituting the habit with an alternative activity that produces comparable emotions of diversion or relaxation.
• Black Tax: A person’s psyche and pocketbook may be greatly burdened by this societal expectation. Behavioural psychology may assist you in establishing limits or changing your perspective. Your part in supporting your family, making it seem more like a decision and less like a duty. It can be difficult to manage black tax as a firstborn daughter, particularly when trying to strike a balance between family expectations and personal financial objectives but there are useful strategies such as:
1. Establish Limits Early
• Express Yourself Clearly: Tell your relatives about your financial predicament. Tell them what you can actually do to help without endangering your own objectives.
• Set Boundaries: Decide on a monthly contribution amount that you can afford to make, then stick to it. Refrain from giving more than you can afford due to pressure.

2. Give personal goals and self-care first priority.
• Save for Yourself: It’s critical to put your personal financial security ahead of that of others. Make sure you have assets, retirement contributions, and emergency funds.
Investing in one’s own growth Pay attention to your personal, professional, and educational goals. By doing this, you’ll be able to earn more money and support others without jeopardizing your own prospects.

Making Lasting Changes

The good news is that one can alter one’s behaviour. You can develop new habits that are more beneficial to you with work, awareness, and the appropriate techniques. Behavioural psychologists frequently advise utilizing strategies like trigger awareness to prevent repeating undesirable behaviours and positive reinforcement, which is rewarding oneself when you successfully change a behaviour.
Changing one’s behavior provides us with the means to examine our own motivations and provides better strategies for bringing about constructive changes in our lives. Whether you struggle with sleep talking, procrastination, or even familial pressures, psychology can help you better understand yourself and help you form more gratifying, healthy habits.