Conformal behavior - a variant of the norm or deviation

Briefly described, a conforming personality type in psychology is a tendency to change one’s beliefs and behavior under the influence of external rather than internal factors. For example, in order not to stand out in the crowd or under pressure from others. Such people always agree with the opinions of others, they always do everything for the company, never argue or contradict, and avoid conflicts in every possible way.

The first description of this personality type was given by the Polish-American psychologist Solomon Eliot Asch, the author of numerous experiments on conformity.

Leading features:

• opportunism;
• amorphousness, lack of initiative;
• fear of change;
• friendliness and non-conflict.

Positive features:

• friendliness, non-conflict, compliance;
• discipline;
• diligence;
• delicacy in communication;
• fast adaptation;
• preservation of traditions, socio-cultural heritage;
• the ability to establish relationships in a team and work to unite it.

Negative features:

• lack of own opinion, inner core;
• infantilism;
• low self-esteem;
• their whole life, including the hierarchy of values ​​and hobbies, is formed under the influence of their environment;
• exposure to prejudices, stereotypes;
• replacement of personal moral and ethical standards with social ones;
• lack of creativity and creative impulses;
• facelessness, dullness, loss of individuality;
• formation of false values ​​and false beliefs;
• living someone else's life, not your own.

Appearance:

• blurry, unfocused gaze;
• slouch;
• head pulled into shoulders;
• smoothed profile;
• unemotional, sour smile;
• either too plump or very thin - there are no muscular athletes among them;
• inconspicuous clothing style;
• often - horn-rimmed glasses;
• They speak quietly and never raise their voice.

Examples of characters from literary heroes:

• the old man from “The Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish” by A. S. Pushkin;
• Otto Babbitt from S. Lewis's novel Babbitt;
• the main character of the story “Darling” by A.P. Chekhov;
• Sofya Petrovna Likhutina from A. Bely’s novel “Petersburg”;
• Daisy from The Great Gatsby.

As for conformism in modern realities, we can cite the example of teenagers who all dress the same. Or adults who are on the diets that neighbor Lucy advised; prepare those dishes that are now in fashion; join the party in which everyone is included.

In psychology, the conformal type of character accentuation according to Lichko corresponds to the extroverted personality type according to Leonhard.

What is conforming behavior?

Man by nature is a social being. And in the modern world, I am often forced on a daily basis to come into contact with completely different categories of people with different goals, opinions and visions of the world.

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From time to time, situations arise when you need to either agree with the opinion of the majority, or continue to defend your own position, going against the bulk. So, conformal behavior is a human action, characterized as compliance with the true or imagined pressure of society (a group of people) and a change in one’s own attitudes and principles to please society.

There is also such a thing as conformity. I would like to immediately note that these two concepts, although related to each other, are not the same thing.

• Conformism (or conformity) is a social phenomenon in the general sense of the word.
• And conformal behavior is a psychological feature of a particular individual.

Some psychologists are convinced that in fact there are even more differences between the terms, but experts have not yet come to a consensus. Some of them find these expressions synonymous.

Conformity implies susceptibility to conformity. That is, in this case, the individual changes his personal views in favor of the prevailing people in a certain group. At the same time, a person tries to satisfy the expectations of others, completely neglecting his own goals, interests and opinions.

In psychology, if an individual is classified as a conformist personality type, they mean that he has this tendency. Conformity is considered a negative phenomenon, but if it occurs within reason and not constantly, but only occasionally, it does not cause significant harm.

Erich Fromm, a German social psychologist, philosopher and psychoanalyst, understood conformity as a generally accepted protective form of behavior. People, succumbing to outside influence, begin to behave the way others want them to see, but in this process they lose their individuality.

According to Fromm, the subconscious benefit of conforming behavior is the ability to avoid anxiety and loneliness. But the price is very high - the loss of one’s own “I”.

Classification of types of character accentuation

Hyperthymic type

Hyperthyms are very sociable, even talkative, active in work, very mobile, and restless. They love to be the center of attention and command the group. They have many hobbies, but, as a rule, they are superficial and pass quickly. During physical activity that requires activity and energy, they retain strength for quite a long time. Almost always in a good mood. Accuracy is not their distinguishing feature.

Sexual feeling awakens early, can be strong, and reactions associated with the formation of sexual desire manifest themselves clearly. Hyperthyms enter into sexual relationships early, but romantic interests usually do not last long. They strive to quickly have sexual intercourse with the object of their love, and if this does not work out, they do not refuse casual acquaintances.

Cycloid type

This type is characterized by repeated alternation of periods of full strength, energy, health, good mood and periods of depression, decreased performance, which is why they are called cycloids. For cycloids, the phases are usually short and last 2-3 weeks. During periods of depression, they experience increased irritability and a tendency toward apathy. At this time, society irritates them, they avoid meetings and companies, and become lethargic homebodies.

Depression can be replaced by a normal state or a period of recovery, when the cycloid turns into hyperthymia, quickly makes acquaintances, strives for company, claims leadership and quickly makes up for lost time.

Labile type

In behavior, representatives of this type are unpredictable and extremely changeable in mood. The reasons for an unexpected change in mood can be different: a word dropped by someone, someone’s friendly glance. In connection with their mood, the future is either painted with bright colors, or appears gray and dull. The attitude towards people is the same: for them the same ones are either cute, interesting and attractive, or boring, boring and ugly.

Poorly motivated changes in mood sometimes create the impression of frivolity, but this is not so. They are capable of deep feelings, great and sincere affection. And some pleasant conversation, interesting news, a fleeting compliment can lift their spirits, distract them from troubles until they remind themselves again.

Asthenoneurotic type

Characterized by suspiciousness, capriciousness, increased fatigue, and a tendency toward hypochondria (morbid suspiciousness, expressed in an obsession with the idea of ​​illness). They listen carefully to their bodily sensations and willingly undergo treatment. In their thoughts about the future, concern for their own health occupies a special place. They are drawn to friends and company, but quickly get tired of them, after which they seek solitude or communication with a close friend.

Sensitive type

Their increased sensitivity and impressionability are combined with high moral requirements for themselves and others. They do not like large companies and outdoor games. They are timid and shy with strangers and give the impression of being withdrawn. They are open and sociable only with those they know well. Very obedient, attached to their parents. They are diligent in their work, although they are afraid of control.

People of the sensitive type see many shortcomings in themselves, especially moral, ethical and strong-willed ones. Timidity and shyness are clearly manifested when they experience first love. Rejected love plunges them into despair and exacerbates their feelings of inferiority. Self-flagellation and self-reproach sometimes lead them to suicidal thoughts. In a situation that requires courage, they may fold.

Psychasthenic type

Characterized by a tendency to reasoning and reflection, to “philosophizing” and introspection. Often indecisive, anxious, suspicious. Pay attention to signs and rituals. During adolescence, sexual development outstrips physical development. Sports are bad for them. Psychasthenics have especially weak arms, but at the same time strong legs. They are characterized by unstable mood and increased fatigue.

Schizoid type

Schizoids are characterized by isolation, isolation, inability and unwillingness to establish contacts with people. A combination of contradictory personality traits appears, such as coldness and refinement of feelings, stubbornness and pliability, wariness and gullibility, apathetic inactivity and assertive determination, unsociability and unexpected importunity, shyness and tactlessness, etc. They live in the world of their illusions and treat everything with disdain. that fills the lives of others.

Schizoids most often themselves suffer from an inability to communicate, empathize, and try to find a friend to their liking. They love to read books. Gymnastics, swimming, and yoga are preferred to group sports games. Do not confuse a schizoid with a schizophrenic (sick with schizophrenia)!

Epileptoid type

The striking features of an epileptoid are a tendency to affective explosiveness, inactivity, heaviness, and inertia. Dysphoria (anger, annoyance, irritation), lasting for hours and days, is characterized by an angry and melancholy coloring of the mood, a search for an object on which to vent evil. The affects are not only strong, but also long lasting. The spontaneity of dysphoria is accompanied by apathy, idleness, aimless sitting with a gloomy frown. In the affects of epileptoids, unbridled rage is observed (obscene language, severe beatings, indifference to the weak and helpless others).

Their sexual desire awakens with force. But their love is colored by attacks of jealousy, they never forgive imaginary and real betrayals. Innocent flirting by one's partner is regarded as betrayal.

Hysterical type

The main features of a hysteroid are egocentrism, an insatiable thirst for attention to one’s own person, admiration, surprise and sympathy. Behavioral manifestations include suicidal blackmail. The forms of such blackmail are different: a depiction of an attempt to jump from a window, cuts to the veins on the forearm, intimidation by taking medications from a home medicine cabinet, etc. Drug use (imaginary or episodic) for the sake of the intention of attracting attention to oneself. This manifests itself especially often at 15-16 years of age. Teenagers skip classes, run away from home, and don’t want to work because... “gray life” does not suit them.

There is a lot of theatrical play in sexual behavior. Men can hide sexual experiences, but women, on the contrary, like to advertise their real relationships or invent non-existent ones. They are capable of self-incrimination in order to portray themselves as libertines to impress others. Sexual attraction among asteroids is neither strong nor intense.

Unstable type

They have an increased craving for entertainment, idleness and idleness. They lack any serious and professional interests. They do not feel true love for their parents. Their troubles and concerns are treated with indifference and indifference. They cannot keep themselves busy with something, so they do not tolerate loneliness well and are drawn to friends. Cowardice and little initiative do not allow them to become leaders. They are driven. They don't like sports.

Sexual hobbies are not strong. Romantic love passes them by; they are not capable of sincere love, but they will not refuse to become acquainted with debauchery and perversions. They don’t care about the future, they live in the present, trying to get more entertainment and pleasure.

Conformal type

The main feature of conformists is an excessive tendency to adapt to their environment. They obey any authority, the majority in the team. It is difficult to adapt to a new environment. Uninitiative, lacking desire for leadership. Hobbies are entirely determined by the environment and fashion of the time. Deprived of their own initiative, easily controlled, they can be drawn into crimes and alcohol or drug companies. Thus, the weakest link of conformists is excessive susceptibility to the influence of the environment and excessive attachment to everything familiar.

Why does conforming behavior occur?

There are certain risk factors that contribute to the development of pathological susceptibility to the opinions of others, namely:

• The influence of cultural characteristics . For example, representatives of Western culture (English, Italians) find conformity a very negative personality trait. They need to defend their own opinion - this is a sign of critical thinking and high education. In contrast, the Chinese and Japanese, on the contrary, excessively cultivate pliability to outside opinions, perceiving it as a favorable and positive phenomenon.
• Person's age and gender.
• Features of the microsocial characteristics of the individual - this means how important the group is for the individual, what place he occupies in it.
• Peculiarities of personal psychological attitudes - it talks about how easily a person is suggestible, whether he needs the constant approval of others, what intellectual data he has, how highly he respects himself and whether he has sufficiently stable self-esteem.
• Indicators of situational characteristics - that is, the level of competence of the individual himself, as well as members of his social group, how important the topics discussed are to him personally, whether he makes a decision publicly or in private.

Types of conformism

There are several classifications of conformism. Let's look at some of them.

By type of subordination:

1. Internal conformism. A person accepts and shares the opinion of the group, lives by its rules even outside its boundaries, and finds a rational explanation for his choice.
2. External conformism. A person formally accepts the rules and norms of the group, but remains unconvinced. This leads to intrapersonal conflict. Often external acceptance is forced.

According to the specifics of behavior:

1. Rational conformism. A person is influenced through the reasoning, opinion, and arguments of another person.
2. Irrational conformism. A person submits to the majority at the level of herd instinct.

According to the specific pressure:

1. Passive. A person submits under the influence of direct pressure.
2. Active. This is militant conformism. There is no direct pressure from above, but the person himself wants to feel its specificity, and begins to fight dissidents.

Advantages and disadvantages of conformity

Absolutely any phenomenon always has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, if a person does not depend too much on other people’s opinions and shows moderate conformity, then this quality will help her quickly and easily find a common language in new social groups. But you will still need to demonstrate your character from time to time so as not to get lost among those around you.

Also, when crisis situations arise, defending one’s own beliefs allows the entire group to be saved from destruction. The main thing is that when the crisis passes, a person does not forget about his personality.

Unfortunately, the shortcomings in this case predominate. Being conformist, a person literally becomes an opportunist and destroys his individuality, which subsequently prevents him from making independent decisions.

He not only faces the loss of independent thinking, but also experiences an atrophy of creative thinking. He is no longer able to create, to create various objects of art. He also stops asking global, universal questions, although they continue to partially depend on him.

And, of course, narrow thinking invariably provokes various prejudices, biases and other stereotypical thinking. As a result, we can observe a person who has no personality.

Professional activity

The psychology of this type is such that, trying not to stand out, he adapts to his familiar environment. Therefore, he does not like to change his place of residence, and, especially, work. After all, this means that you will have to learn to behave in a new way.

And since adaptation is not entirely smooth and easy, he usually works in the same place for a long time. Even if it doesn't completely suit him.

As already mentioned, he is wary of newcomers. So outsiders usually get the worst of it, being subjected to open hostility and even criticism. If part of the team does not accept a new colleague into their ranks, then in this case one can only sympathize with him, because from a conforming employee he will receive for everyone at once.

He is a good worker, efficient and responsible. He is ready for anything, as long as he is not rejected. But in an area where initiative and activity are required, he fails.

He should not be appointed to leadership positions. Because, trying to please his subordinates, he will sacrifice not only his interests, but also the goals of the enterprise, dooming it to bankruptcy.

If you fail to cope with the stress of deadlines and the need to make decisions on your own, you run the risk of neurosis, an emotional breakdown, and even depression.

Conformal behavior and nonconformism

The opposite of conformity is nonconformism. Nonconformism is the active rejection of generally established norms, values, laws or traditions.

Nonconformism implies not just a desire to protect one’s rights and freedom, but a desire to move “by the opposite,” demonstrating to others that they are completely wrong. It is unrealistic to prove something to a nonconformist, since he is firmly convinced of one thing: everything that others say is wrong, deceitful and absurd.

Why do people become nonconformists? The main reason that pushes them to do this is the thirst for self-affirmation, the desire to convince everyone around them that they are right and prove their right to make socially significant decisions.

Of course, it is important for each of us to maintain our individuality, our unique personality traits; accordingly, we are all, to some extent, considered nonconformists. However, certain individuals are so afraid of getting lost in society and becoming a “gray mass” that they strive to take an extreme position. At the same time, they often declare a real war on generally established norms and traditions.

Both conformity and non-conformism - both of these concepts represent states of borderline extremes. And neither one nor the second phenomenon can be attributed to the norm.

How to prevent the development of conformity

I suggest you familiarize yourself with useful recommendations that will help prevent conformity:

1. The most important thing is to know your true goals . After all, a person who has his own motivations shows confidence in any situation, he knows what he wants to achieve.
2. also need to increase your self-confidence . Conformal behavior is characteristic of people who do not believe in themselves, who believe that those around them are smarter, more developed, more enlightened than they are, and accordingly, their opinion is more important than their own.
3. Develop creative and critical thinking . Thanks to the first, you will find several solutions in every situation at once, which will allow you to differ from others. And with the help of the second, you will reveal hidden manipulation, plus you will be able to understand any information in its true form, learn sober analysis. All this will make it easier to defend your opinion.
4. Increase your awareness . This skill improves awareness of true incidents in the group and teaches you to sense the emotional state of other people.
5. Read a lot . Reading allows you to receive a lot of new, useful information, plus it facilitates the understanding of human relationships, teaches you to increase the value of your own “I” and never follow the lead of others to the detriment of yourself (referring to psychological publications).
6. Make new acquaintances and communicate with those with whom you feel comfortable . It is important for every person to find like-minded people, but, of course, it is impossible for you to copy each other in everything, because we are all individuals. Analyze the opinions of several people, drawing the right conclusions for yourself.

In conclusion

Let's summarize the topic:

• Conforming behavior is replacing one's own opinion with the opinions of other people.
• Nonconformism is a radical rejection of other people's opinions, an active struggle against it.
• Both conformity and nonconformism are two borderline states that do not meet the norm. It is important for every person to be able to defend their own opinion, not to completely copy other people, but to learn something from them, because it is impossible to be right in absolutely everything.

Finally, watch the thematic video:

Levels of conformity

Conformity is subordination to a group. The following levels of subordination can be named:

1. Formal submission under specific conditions or at a specific point in time. As a rule, it does not last long.
2. Identification. A person considers himself part of a group, completely shares its rules, and group members expect certain behavior from each other.
3. Internalization. The individual’s value system completely coincides with the group’s value system; it does not depend in any way on external factors.

Conforming behavior does not just happen. To do this, two conditions must be met: conflict between a person and a group, psychological pressure from the group (insults, violence, shouting, etc.). It is worth noting that group pressure can be real or imagined.