Something
that I thought was interesting about this week’s reading from chapter 6 was
about defensive and supportive behaviors. The textbook describes defensive
behaviors consisting of evaluation, control, strategy, neutrality, superiority,
and certainty, while supportive behaviors consist of nonjudgmental description,
problem orientation, spontaneity, empathy, equality, and provisionalism. Abigail
and Cahn make sure to state that a few of these behaviors are associated with
power, but they do not want it be. They say that defensive behavior is usually
associated with people who feel inadequate, insecure, fearful, or uncertain
about themselves or their lives. I couldn’t agree more with this concept. I
have met many people, including some friends who fit that description of having
defensive behavior. I think that the people who are more defensive tend to want
power more than they actually have it. I typically have more of the supportive
behaviors, but I think that defensive behavior is similar to being a bit
aggressive. We all need a little bit of it in us in certain situations.
Hey there Californiagirl!
ReplyDeleteThis was a pretty interesting concept to me as well. I agree that defensive behavior is usually associated with people who feel inadequate. I recall seeing some of my friends having defensive behavior, especially when they were young because other people would pick on them. I guess they just feel the need to be aggressive when it seems as if they are being put down. But I believe that all of us can get aggressive at some point, especially when our buttons are pushed. Good point bringing up that defensiveness happens because they want more power since I never really thought about it that way. Nice posts this week!
Even though I did not post about this I feel the concept you are talking about is very interesting. What I like is how when it is explained and the certain type of person is related to the explanation it then all makes sense. Defensive behavior has always been around in my life I just never realized it as much as I do now. I have to agree with you on your suggestion that people with defense behavior want more power. As it states people with this behavior seem to feel inadequate therefore they would want more power to feel more like an adequate person in their minds.
ReplyDeleteHi California Girl, great job with your response to this question. I also agree with the concept from our text that defensive behavior is usually associated with people who feel inadequate or insecure. Defensive behavior usually stems from something personal that that person feels about themselves. You said that you know many people who fit this description. I also know many people who react this way. It can be hard sometimes to be around people who exhibit defensive behavior, and besides it being hard it isn’t pleasant either. I thought you did a really good job with this question, keep up the good work!
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