Pattern is a term that denotes a repeating pattern; it can also be called a sample, model, diagram or image. The concept comes from the English “pattern” and is translated, as an example, form. Thanks to the pattern, a mediating representation is created, with the help of which, in the mode of synchronicity of the processes of perception and thinking, patterns appear, as well as the way they exist in the surrounding world, nature, and society.
A pattern is a repeating pattern or template whose components repeat in a predictable manner. Patterns may be perceived differently, depending on the sensory organ with which they are felt.
There are various patterns of behavior. Examples of them can be seen in various areas of life: from early washing to special professional ones.
Let's get acquainted with the concept
The concept of “pattern” is found in physics, computer science, design, music and psychology. Translated from English it means “template, “model”. In relation to psychology, a pattern can be briefly defined as a paradigm of behavior characteristic of a person in certain circumstances. This model works automatically, involuntarily, in the process of human interaction with the outside world. Patterns can be found everywhere: washing your face in the morning, shaking hands when meeting, eating an apple, answering the phone, etc.
Even a beloved pet who sees its owner putting on a jacket and boots is already internally preparing for a walk. You say this is a conditioned reflex? And you will be wrong. A pattern in psychology is deeper than instinct or reflex. This is a certain program embedded in a person’s brain, according to which he lives and communicates with others.
Pattern: what is it?
A pattern is a special behavioral reaction, a patterned action used by a person in everyday life on an ongoing basis. The origin of the concept is from the English concept “pattern”, which in translation means sample, stereotype.
Patterns concern not only daily rituals and household behavior. Patterns are used in all areas of activity where there are automatically performed actions.
For example, a musician automatically opens the case and takes out the instrument, tunes it, sits down on a chair, taking a normal position.
Friends, when meeting, exchange handshakes or hugs also instinctively, out of habit. A chemist usually arranges test tubes and reagents in the laboratory, sets up scales and instruments, and establishes a procedure for conducting experiments.
The writer automatically places the necessary books and articles on the table, and even the usual, automatically prepared coffee in this case can act as a pattern.
Pattern properties
- Pattern is a stable category. It is easy to recognize because it is often repeated. As a rule, an unconsciously created behavior algorithm is rare and difficult to correct.
- The pattern can appear in whole or in part. In the latter case, experts call it a code. For example, when a person hears the name of a person he knows or the name of a vacation spot where he has been, he is overwhelmed by memories and emotions associated with them. So, when the code is spoken, the entire pattern is launched.
- Psychological patterns do not exist separately from each other. There is an innate pattern - a starting point. Others are layered on top of it. They combine with stereotypes and habits, shaping a person’s character and lifestyle.
- A person is constantly developing, accumulating experience, and self-improving. The pattern is transformed accordingly. What it is? For example, a person has become accustomed to isolation since childhood, but socialization is inevitable. He understands that for a harmonious life in society you need to make acquaintances, be able to conduct a dialogue with people, and be reciprocal. As new “skills” are mastered, a shift in behavior patterns occurs. However, some habits of the “old model” may still be active.
Patterns are the basis of everything
We have all, one way or another, encountered patterns in real life. But some people have no idea how common they are in our lives. They can even be called divine, because, according to the Bible, Adam was created in the image and likeness of God.
The Creation of Adam, Michelangelo
If we adhere to Darwin's theory, then there are many examples of their use. Remember, for example, a school biology course that talked about the similarity of animal embryos in the first stages of development, when it is almost impossible to distinguish a human embryo from, say, a turtle embryo.
Comparison of embryos of different animal species
It would be logical to assume that the similarity will not be limited only to the original appearance, but will also apply in the future. This may concern the nervous system, the digestive process, as well as behavior.
All these patterns are necessary for one thing - to simplify the creation process, because it is much easier to establish a conveyor process than to constantly reinvent the wheel, especially when it comes to partially similar tasks.
With correct classification, one can just as easily predict how an object could theoretically be created, as well as how it will behave in certain situations.
Social and individual patterns
Social patterns are patterns of behavior of people in society. In other words, these are certain actions that are repeated under certain circumstances. These include a handshake when meeting or a nod of the head, a wave of the hand when parting, etc. These examples, on the one hand, demonstrate typical patterns of behavior of any person in society, on the other hand, they speak about cultural experience. For example, in Japan, a common social pattern is to bow when meeting someone you know or respect.
Individual patterns, as a rule, include a person’s personal habits and preferences. Examples include the preference to start breakfast with a sip of tea or a bite of bread, putting on socks first, then trousers or a blouse, then a skirt.
Pattern tracking.
Behavioral patterns are the basis of a person. Our brain is designed in such a way that actions repeated several times automatically become unconscious. On the one hand, behavior patterns brought to automaticity save energy. On the other hand, they prevent you from acting consciously, switching flexibly in different situations, and realizing yourself as an individual. Negative behavior patterns lead to stress, anxiety, neuroses and physical illnesses:
- The habit of scrolling through social networks before bed leads to lack of sleep, and the habit of eating on the go and skipping breakfast and lunch leads to surges in blood sugar levels, tremors, and dizziness.
- The habit of generalizing all events “I was unlucky today, that means I’m a loser” provokes a bad mood and depression.
- The habit of being rude to your opponent leads to problems at work and in your personal life.
Changing them is difficult, getting rid of them is even more difficult. By changing your behavior patterns, you can copy the patterns of successful people and achieve success. But changing the model is not so easy. Some behavior patterns become an extension of our personality and ourselves.
Conclusions:
- Psychological patterns are frozen patterns of action found in our life experience.
- The formation of psychological patterns begins in childhood and can be corrected at an early age.
- Our behavior patterns protect and limit at the same time.
- It is difficult to remove negative patterns; it is easier to replace them with positive ones.
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Congenital and acquired patterns
Hereditary patterns are those behavioral characteristics that a person receives in the first minutes of his life. This is a genetic program that works at the level of instincts and reflexes. The innate pattern is given to a person by nature. This model comes in many forms. For example, the nutritional form is manifested in the process of sucking in an infant. Acquired patterns of behavior are the subsequent development of a person, his learning, the formation of worldview, habits, way of thinking, etc.
Sometimes there is confusion between innate and acquired patterns. So, when a child, just like one of the parents, performs some operation in a certain way, they talk about genetic similarity. In fact, this is just the result of imitation.
Destructive behavior of teenagers
The problem of adolescent self-destruction is quite relevant, since it gives rise to teenage drug addiction, suicide attempts, and alcoholism. The number of child suicides is growing over the years. Cases of youth drug addiction and alcoholism have long ceased to surprise anyone. Moreover, the problems described are not only observed in families in distress. Statistical observations say that approximately 37% of children registered in a drug treatment facility come from quite prosperous families.
The behavioral model is laid down from childhood and it is based, first of all, on the parental example. By the age of five, the baby already has a certain amount of knowledge that will guide the child in later life.
Destructive activity is characterized by two vectors of direction: self-destruction, that is, a focus on oneself, expressed in addiction to psychoactive substances, alcohol-containing substances, narcotic drugs, suicidal actions, and external manifestations, including vandalism, terrorist attacks, cruelty to living beings.
The modern progressive development of society, in addition to positive trends, carries with it negative factors that do not have the best effect on the fragile minds of young people. Progress, unfortunately, has brought with it the degradation of culture, the rapid pace of life, permissiveness, easy accessibility (of information, prohibited substances), an increase in the number of dysfunctional families, and an increase in violence.
Also, the negative transformations of modern society have given rise to serious transformations in the growing generation. For example, one can state a deformation of moral and value orientation. Teenagers experience turning points more acutely, which is reflected in their destructive acts and destructive behavior.
Puberty is a stage of self-standardization, the introduction of one’s own “I” into certain roles, which gives rise to an increased need for a sense of identity, as a result of which a minor often solves this problem through destructive acts.
Socially destructive behavior among young people is most often caused by the desire of adolescents to assert themselves or express themselves through “negative” behavioral patterns. Teenagers are characterized by increased emotional sensitivity, which leaves an imprint on their actions. The picture of the world of yesterday's children has not yet been fully formed, however, the increasingly progressive process of life generates additional psychological stress, which not every minor youth can withstand.
The first signs of a teenager’s tendency towards destructive actions are unsociability and aloofness. Then, increased excitability gradually manifests itself, developing into outright aggression towards the social environment, which can be observed both in the school environment and in family and everyday relationships.
Often teenagers strive to assert themselves, defending their own opinions in various ways. At the same time, the inability to fully demonstrate one’s own self, the lack or absence of support from the close environment, significant adults, is the reason for the teenager’s desire to realize himself in a “street” environment and, more often than not, an unfavorable one.
Analyzing the causes of destructive behavior, Vygotsky revealed that the basis of most deviations is the psychological confrontation between the minor and the environment, or between individual aspects of the teenager’s personality. Ipatov, in turn, put forward the assumption that the destruction of a teenager is a manifestation of the distortion of his socialization, which is revealed in actions that contradict social norms.
Aggression, cruelty, alcoholism, smoking, suicidal actions, a desire to modify one’s own body (tattooing, scarring, piercing), foul language - all these are examples of destructive behavior characteristic of both minors and adults.
Positive and Negative Patterns
When a person has difficulties interacting with the outside world, he turns to a psychologist for help. After pouring out his soul and going through a series of tests, the patient often hears from a specialist: “this is your negative pattern.” What it is? The fact is that not all of our habits and ways of moving in society can be comfortable. Some behavioral patterns openly interfere with a person's life. There are people who are terrified of difficulties and therefore avoid them in every possible way. Others, on the contrary, are obsessed with the search for difficulties to the point of fanaticism, and ultimately face unpleasant consequences. All these are negative patterns that interfere with life and accumulate negative experiences. It is possible and necessary to combat such patterns, but sometimes it can be difficult. It is much easier to change something when the cause of all problems is clearly visible and understandable and the internal potential is adequately assessed.
Comfortable patterns are those patterns of behavior that help a person develop harmoniously and overcome obstacles. Their range extends from basic washing and shaking hands to the ability to compromise and friendliness.
Patterns in psychology
Patterns, or more precisely, classification, are perhaps the basis of all sciences.
Classification helps scientists explain the areas they study and build theories for further study. Psychology was no exception. You've probably heard about sociotypes and temperament types, extroverts and introverts.
4 Types of Temperament
All of this is an attempt to classify people. Having understood exactly what type a person belongs to, a psychologist can predict his further actions and thoughts. Based on the information received, the specialist tries to guide the patient to make some decision, or to answer a question that he asks himself, but for some reason cannot answer. Ideally, the patient himself should come to the final destination.
Psychics and other supporters of the paranormal do the same. At its core, their work is practically no different from the work of a psychologist. With the exception of the element of “mysticism,” which helps people find a channel for finding the answer they are interested in in the depths of their consciousness, when this very answer seems to be given by a third party. As an example, consider conversations with a deceased loved one. At the beginning, the psychic asks leading questions about the object, its surroundings, causes of death, etc. This is necessary in order to find the very thread that will allow you to find the client’s weak point. As a result, the psychic, under the guise of a translator from the language of the other world, tells the client what he wants to hear to calm him down (for example, you can open any episode of “Battle of Psychics” or another show about psychics).
We will not go into mysticism and will simply try to apply some knowledge of psychologists to work with users.
Communication patterns
Since man is a social creature, his communication patterns are most developed. They can be determined in the reaction of facial expressions, the system of gestures, and elements of vocalization. It is quite obvious that when good news is announced, a person smiles, while bad news, he frowns. When a person is angry, he stomps his feet. When asking another person to hand over an object, he uses a pointing gesture. Even blind and deaf-mute children implement similar communication patterns without the possibility of imitating the model.
Types of destructive behavior
A destructive behavioral model is characterized by many manifestations that are directed either at the person himself or at physical or intangible objects in the environment.
Professor Korolenko lists the goals of abnormal behavior directed at phenomena in the surrounding world as follows:
– extermination of living beings (torture, killing, bullying, cannibalism);
– deliberate violation of social relations (revolutionary actions, terrorist attacks, coups);
– causing damage to inanimate objects or natural objects.
Below is the main classification of variations in abnormal behavior. Destructive behavior is usually divided into delinquent behavior, that is, representing unlawful acts of an individual for which he has to bear criminal or administrative responsibility, and deviant behavior, representing a pattern of behavior incompatible with moral standards and ethical norms that have become entrenched in society (difference from the generally accepted standard behavior).
Destructive behavior patterns are divided into the following types:
– antisocial (against society);
– addictive (consequence of dependence);
– suicidal (self-destruction);
– fanatical (the result of a fanatical attraction to something);
– autistic;
– narcissistic;
– conformist.
In addition, depending on the type of active acts, the following types of abnormal behavior are distinguished, namely: self-destruction, self-change (body modifications: scarring, tattoos, piercing, mental state transformations: alcohol abuse, drug use), self-harm (ignoring vital and social needs, desire to risk).
The type of behavioral response under consideration can be found in its various forms in the context of adaptation to society:
– radical adaptation (the desire to change a world that does not suit the individual);
– deviant adaptation (justified destructive acts, going beyond the boundaries of the norm);
– conformist adaptation (adaptation to generally accepted standards with which the subject does not agree);
– hyper-adaptation (setting unattainable goals);
– socio-psychological inadaptability (explicit denial of the need to adapt to society, making efforts to avoid this).
Is it possible to change the pattern?
Patterns of behavior are the basis of a person. They are very stable, so it is very difficult to change them or even get rid of them altogether. However, you can control the pattern. What it is? For example, a person develops some kind of phobia. He turns to a specialist for help. He, in turn, offers him a certain algorithm of actions, by performing which the patient learns to control his fears. He is not able to get rid of them forever, but he can change his “positions of power.”
The greatest interest is generated by experiments in replacing patterns with opposite ones. There is a known case when an introverted woman came to the famous psychotherapist Milton Erickson asking him to help her become a more open and friendly person. Based on the patient’s hobby—flower growing—Erickson advised her to purchase 200 pots of violets and care for them. As the sprouts began to take root, the woman was supposed to send a pot to friends and strangers on their birthday, engagement, wedding, or to someone who was sick. Caring for two hundred violets distracted the woman from her depressive thoughts, and she soon became the “queen of violets” in her state. From a withdrawn person prone to severe depression, this woman turned into a desirable, open and friendly person.
User classification
In an era when the Internet can be found even in your refrigerator, a person has partially become depersonalized. On the Internet, no one will know that you are a cat.
However, on the other end of the line there is still a person (until the AI systems pass the Turing test, but even then all will not be lost), who has his own habits, tastes, views and fears.
Based on them, we, like psychologists, can both predict his behavior and manipulate him. As one of the bases for classifying user behavior on the Internet, let’s take a behavioral model that is familiar to us—temperaments. Let's adapt it to the realities of the web:
- Cholerics
are activists. As a rule, such users want to quickly get everything they need from your product. They don't like to waste time. Looking for something, finding something, understanding something is not in their habits. - Phlegmatic people
are unhurried. Before performing any action, be sure to understand. Can read agreements, all texts on pop-up windows. We are ready to devote our time to studying the product, but only if it is really necessary. - Sanguine people
are hot. Such users should always be kept on their toes, because... when he loses interest, he simply “merges.” Like choleric people, they quickly react to all incoming information. The difference is that they easily accept their own mistakes. - Melancholic people
are fearful. They are afraid to make a mistake. When a problem or complex action arises, they prefer not to deal with it, but simply close it and forget. Such users usually do not choose to pay by card directly on the website, because They are afraid, for example, of making mistakes when entering data.
Ideally, product design should take all of these types into account (with some exceptions, of course). However, you shouldn’t overdo it, because, as you know, you can’t please everyone right away. In the first stages of development, it is best to take weaknesses of all types and eliminate the possibility of their occurrence as much as possible.
Key psychopathology in eating disorders
This is the key pathology Fairbairn writes about:
❗️Re-evaluation of weight, body shape and control over them. The option is nutrition as such and control over it.
undue importance is placed on weight, body shape, or nutrition and its control .
The essence and value of a person is determined exclusively or mainly through his weight and shape: for example, “she is fat, which means she is a weak-willed nonentity”, “I cannot gain weight, because then no one will love me”, “I strictly monitor my diet , because if I eat everything, I’ll be disgusted with myself.”
Therefore, if I fail to lose weight, change the body shape I want, or monitor the quality of food, I become a complete disgusting nonentity. My other achievements in other areas of life are not considered significant, because this is not the main thing.
If you ask someone like me by what criteria I judge myself as a worthy or unworthy person and ask you to scatter these criteria on a pie chart, you will get something like:
While for a person without an eating disorder, such a task will end with another pie chart:
* In “My Health,” weight may or may not be included; this sector contains a broad concept that implies self-care in every sense.
At the same time, such a revaluation does not equal dissatisfaction with one’s appearance or shape . In other words, I may not like this or that part of my body, but this does not define me as a whole. Being somewhat dissatisfied with your appearance is normal in today's world. Moreover, to be absolutely satisfied is already from the realm of fantasy.
Fairburn et al. stand for the treatment of key psychopathology, regardless of diagnosis.
