ABSTRACT
A person’s behavior comprises everything which another person can observe about him; everything through which he both consciously and unconsciously manifests himself to the outside world. It is the expression of his feelings, experiences, passions, needs, habits, thoughts and aspirations. Human behavior consists partly of innate patterns, such as expressions of anger, fear or pleasure, which already occur in a baby. The newborn baby has only diffuse, strong feelings of pleasure or displeasure which he can only express in a primitive manner. Everything which causes pain or distress represents a threat. His primary need is food. He is totally dependent on his mother. His behavior consists of defensive reactions, which must repel harmful impulses from the environment, and approach reactions, which are for the benefit of nourishment, such as searching for the breast and sucking. His mother, who provides his nourishment and protects him against the dangers which threaten him, is his first contact with another person. It is to her that his first expressions of attachment and demands for attention are directed. The beginning of human interaction, of social behavior is rejection or approach, according to whether the other person is experienced as threatening or helpful. At birth the temperament is also already present in rudimentary form. But for the major part human behavior is acquired. The child has to learn to become a social being, in order to form ever more and stronger ties with his environment and at the same time increase his independence.
