Shaped by Consequences
How Our Environment Selects Behavior
Introduction
Human behavior is directly influenced by the consequences of our actions and the environmental contingencies surrounding us. While we usually perceive our behavior as arising from internal and mentalistic deliberations and conscious choices, our behavior is shaped by external factors that operate out of our awareness. This essay explores how selection by consequences and environmental contingencies impact behavior, often subtly. We believe that by examining the connection between social and physical environments and individual behavior, we can better understand the mechanisms that drive our actions and interactions. This could allow us to be more aware of how our environment shapes and maintains our behavior, and in turn, allow us to exercise better control over it.
Understanding Reinforcement and Contingencies
Reinforcement strengthens behavior by increasing the likelihood of it occurring again under in the future. Positive reinforcement adds a desirable stimulus (e.g., receiving praise for good work), while negative reinforcement removes an aversive stimulus (e.g., turning off an alarm). Contingencies—relationships between behavior and its consequences—govern how these reinforcers shape behavior. For example, a student who participates in class and receives teacher approval is likely to continue engaging with the material, while if a student is ignored despite participation, the behavior may decrease. These everyday contingencies influence behavior, whether we actively recognize them or not. For a more in-depth review of these basic principles, please see our May 3rd, 2023 posting.
Awareness of Behavior Change
What seems like a deliberate choice is often shaped by environmental contingencies, with stimulus control guiding behavior even when the person isn’t aware of the variables at play. People respond to cues in their environment that have been reinforced over time, even if they don’t recognize the patterns. For instance, someone who consistently gets compliments on a certain style of clothing may start choosing similar outfits without realizing their selection is influenced by past reinforcement. Likewise, behaviors that go unreinforced or are met with aversive consequences may gradually decrease, even if the individual is unaware of why they lose interest or motivation. These contingencies shape everyday actions, from participation in class to personal habits, demonstrating how reinforcement processes influence behavior beyond conscious decision-making. We do want to make it clear that all behavior is choice, but the contingencies of reinforcement and punishment guide those choices.
The Role of the Social and Physical Environment
Behavior is also shaped by the broader social and physical environment. Social norms serve as powerful contingencies that guide how individuals behave in different contexts. These norms are maintained through social reinforcement—such as praise, approval, or acceptance, and punishment—such as disapproval or exclusion. For example, in professional settings, employee behavior is reinforced for adhering to expectations like punctuality, politeness, and productivity through performance evaluations, promotions, or even informal peer recognition, while behaviors that deviate from these norms may be met with corrective feedback, reduced opportunities, or social exclusion.
The physical environment also plays a significant role in shaping behavior by guiding behaviors through something called antecedent interventions. A structured and organized workspace can facilitate focus and efficiency, reinforcing productive work habits, while a cluttered or distracting environment may inadvertently reinforce procrastination. These simple environmental modifications can promote desirable behaviors while reducing undesirable behaviors. For example, placing healthy snacks in an easily accessible location can increase the likelihood of choosing nutritious options, just as placing a recycling bin in a visible and convenient spot encourages sustainable waste disposal.
In addition to social and physical environments, cultural influences further shape behavior by reinforcing values specific to different societies. In collectivist cultures, cooperative behaviors are often reinforced through social approval and group cohesion, whereas in individualistic cultures, personal achievements and self-reliance may be more heavily reinforced. These cultural contingencies shape how people interact, make decisions, and prioritize goals.
The Power of Immediate Consequences in Shaping Behavior
To be most effective, one must deliver consequences immediately. Individuals are more likely to engage in behaviors that offer immediate or salient rewards than those with delayed or ambiguous consequences. This principle is crucial in understanding why changes in reinforcement contingencies can lead to significant shifts in behavior.
Consider implementing a rewards program in a corporate setting to create an environment conducive to higher productivity. The introduction of tangible rewards (such as bonuses and recognition) for meeting specific performance metrics alters the consequences associated with employee productivity. As employees become aware of these immediate rewards, their motivation and engagement levels tend to increase, leading them to engage in behaviors that align with the organization’s goals.
It is also essential to recognize that not all individuals respond uniformly to contingencies. Factors such as individual differences are crucial in determining how effectively a reinforcer or punisher will modify behavior. What might function as a reinforcer for one person might not function as a reinforcer for someone else. Therefore, it is important to consider individual idiosyncrasies and preferences when identifying effective reinforcers.
Self-Regulation and Personal Growth
Selection by consequences informs self-regulation as one learns to monitor, analyze, and adjust behaviors based on past experiences and anticipated outcomes. This self-awareness helps in making informed decisions across various contexts. For example, I may establish a study schedule after recognizing that structured study times improve academic performance. Likewise, I avoid procrastination before exams to prevent negative outcomes, reinforcing effective time management.
Self-regulation also involves weighing short-term benefits against long-term consequences. If I consider attending a social event that could lead to late nights and poorer work performance, I must evaluate whether the immediate enjoyment outweighs the potential drawbacks. This forward-thinking approach demonstrates how selection by consequences shapes behavior, requiring both awareness and learning from experience. For more on this, see Self-Directed Behavior: Self-modification for Personal Adjustment, 1972 by David Watson & Roland G. Tharp.
Behavioral Shifts and Adaptation
Over time, selection by consequences enables our behavior to adapt to new environments. For example, when I (Frank) initially engaged with colleagues at a new job, I noticed how different behaviors were received. Acts of collaboration and support were positively reinforced, contributing to the adoption of a more team-oriented approach. At the same time, avoiding specific topics of discussion that led to discomfort or conflict allowed me to navigate the new environment more effectively. This process describes how selection by consequences facilitates continuous learning, adaptation, and personal growth.
In Conclusion
Understanding how consequences and environmental contingencies shape behavior has profound implications for personal and social development. By intentionally designing environments that reinforce prosocial behavior, we can develop a culture where behaviors that benefit everyone become naturally rewarding. Selection by consequences is a fundamental mechanism guiding all behavior, yet many people remain unaware of how their behavioral repertoire is shaped. As a result, maladaptive behaviors continue to be selected. We believe that raising awareness of this process empowers individuals and communities to actively shape environments that promote positive and sustainable behavior change.
Learning Resource
For those interested in learning more about the science of selection by consequences, we recommend Susan M. Schenieder’s book The Science of Consequences: How They Affect Genes, Change the Brain, and Impact our World (2012).
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