How Lifestyle Exposure Theory Impacts Our Daily Choices
Lifestyle exposure theory is a psychological concept that considers how past experiences shape our future behaviors and choices. Simply put, it means that our upbringing, environment, and culture influence our daily decisions.
Introduction
We have all heard the phrase, “You are a product of your environment.” Lifestyle exposure theory is based on this idea. Behavioral patterns are not predetermined, they develop according to our past experiences. This theory helps sound the alarm for us to be cautious of the environment we expose ourselves to.
The Basics of Lifestyle Exposure Theory
Psychologists have identified two types of environments – micro and macro. The microenvironment is our immediate daily surroundings like family, friends or school, while the macro environment encapsulates a larger group, for example, culture, norms and values.
Both these environments contribute to our cognitive development and decision-making abilities. Lifestyle exposure theory suggests that the more positive the environment, the more positive our life choices. Subsequently, if we are exposed to negative behaviors such as alcoholism or drug addiction, we become more prone to follow similar patterns in our lives.
Behavioral Patterns and Decision Making
Various studies have affirmed lifestyle exposure theory. For instance, a study by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism revealed that children exposed to alcoholic parents are more likely to engage in heavy drinking in later years.
These behavioral patterns become hard-wired in our brains with time. It also leads us to make assumptions and judgments about the people around us, leading us to form prejudices even without realizing.
In contrast, exposure to positive environments leads us to have a healthy outlook on life, increased self-esteem and confidence. Simply put, the lifestyle exposure theory suggests that we are what we are surrounded by.
Impact on Everyday Life
Lifestyle exposure theory impacts various aspects of our daily lives. For instance, our dietary preferences and physical activity levels are heavily influenced by our upbringing. Our parents’ personalities and behaviors also heavily impact our own.
Another example is the impact on relationships. Our interactions with our parents and siblings impact our romantic relationships. If individuals were exposed to abusive relationships in the past, they may be prone to repeat similar patterns, leading to a vicious cycle.
Conclusion
Lifestyle exposure theory is a vital concept in psychology for understanding human decision making and behavior. Our daily lifestyle choices are rooted in our past environment and the choices our caretakers made. Nevertheless, research has shown us that it is possible to overcome negative experiences and move towards healthier decision making. We must remain conscious of our environment and work to expose ourselves to positive influences.
