Habits

This is such a complex system to deal with and research because as all of the articles that we have read in class have mentioned about violent men, "it is partly the environment they grew up in", an article about gang prisons that someone posted in the MS discussion that focused on gangs inside the correctional system. When they were interviewing a young woman she was saying how she really wanted to get out of the gang life for her young daughter. She then added, "how can I stop doing what I am doing if it is something I have learned, I don't know what else to do". Clearly, it is learned behavior. I don't want to get off focus here with the subject of rehabilitation and males. But what she said is true for all. This is what psychologist have to do research on, learned behavior. But let's look into it with a positive lens and not the 1970s view that nothing works pessimistic view. A point I want to make is that we are creatures of habit. I want you all to think about it a bit. How is habit created?

In an article about habits the author helps us see how to form or break habits. He says "Parallel parking, gambling, exercising, brushing your teeth and every other habit-forming activity all follow the same behavioral and neurological patterns, says New York Times business writer Charles Duhigg". He then explains that it starts with a psychological pattern called the "habit loop" which encompasses a three-part process. First, the trigger, the brain clicks into automatic mode and  allows the behavior to unfold. Second, the routine, the behavior begins to take place. And last, the reward, which is the key because it helps the brain remember about the "loop". I read in another article a while ago that habit forms in 21 days. Another key point is that "studies have shown that people will perform automated behaviors — like pulling out of a driveway or brushing teeth — the same way every single time, if they're in the same environment."Environment is a key aspect of rehabilitation, creating the right environment for the male inmates. That is why a great educational program as rehab is such a great way to reduce recidivism. We must allow them to see the bigger picture instead of their tunnel vision that most gang members have due to their lack of education. In their minds, the gang is their security blanket, it is their opportunity to become someone. What education does is open up their mind to a world of possibilities. The people in jails should be trained and specialized so that they can help gang members and inmates get out of their criminal habits and help them create habits that will make them great members of society.

Habits: How They Form and How to Break Them. <http://www.npr.org/2012/03/05/147192599/habits-how-they-form-and-how-to-break-them>