How Does Someone Develop a Bad Habit?
Other People Are Reading
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Engage in a Behavior
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Habits are behaviors that occur regularly, automatically and oftentimes subconsciously. When engaging in a certain behavior results in a favorable outcome, individuals tend to repeat that behavior. The formation of habits involves a form of conditioning called instrumental conditioning. Instrumental conditioning is a form of learning where behaviors that result in positive outcomes are strengthened by continuing to engage in such behaviors.
Reap the Rewards
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Whether a habit is good or bad can be a matter of opinion. However, smoking is typically considered a bad habit because of the health risks involved. Yet smoking is a common habit. Certainly the addictive impact of nicotine influences the continued use of cigarettes, but the first few times had to have a perceived benefit for the user. Some say smoking calms them down. Others may just smoke socially and find that having a cigarette in their hands makes them feel less inhibited.
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Do It Again
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Habit-forming depends on reinforcement. People tend to do things that will result in positive or negative reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is the presentation of a favorable outcome. For example, individuals who gamble often enjoy the feelings of anticipation and hope that accompany the risky behavior. Therefore, they continue to do so even after losing large amounts of money. Negative reinforcement, on the other hand, is the removal of an unfavorable situation. For instance, lying can become habit forming when doing so gets you out of having to do household chores or visit your in-laws.
And Again
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Although bad habits can lead to bad consequences, the instant gratification is what allows them to be maintained. For instance, letting unwashed dishes sit in the sink day after day, allowing your laundry to pile up and avoiding dusting or vacuuming allow you to do something more preferable instead like sleeping or watching TV. However, these things will have to get done eventually and they will become even more arduous tasks as a result of your neglect. Shopping is another source of instant gratification but can become a bad habit when you constantly spend more than you can afford or buy things you don't need.
And Again
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Basically, for every bad habit there is a perceived favorable outcome. It is that outcome that makes us want to repeat the behavior that caused it. Every time the intended effect is caused by our behaviors, the strength of that behavior increases. Bad habits such as alcohol and drug use can lead to addiction, which causes a person to continue to engage in the behavior whether he wants to or not.
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Resources
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