Intentional Behavior versus Actual Behavior

By Moises Alaniz, Health & Wellness Coach

Within the field of social psychology, several studies have uncovered a substantial disconnect between what individuals report they would do and how they would actually behave in real-world situations.  The “Personality and Social Psychology” chapter within the Introduction to Psychology from a Christian Worldview highlights that human behavior is often shaped more by situational influences than by personal values or declared intentions (George et al., 2023).  This concept is exemplified in the studies on obedience, conformity, helping behavior, and the bystander effect, all of which reveal how external circumstances can powerfully influence individual actions.

Studies of obedience, such as Stanley Milgram’s famous experiments, demonstrate that people are capable of carrying out disturbing actions towards others when subjected to high-stress, authority-driven environment.  Comparably, Solomon Asch’s conformity experiments reveal that individuals frequently adopt the opinions and attitude of others when confronted with peer pressure.  The bystander effect highlights this tendency: although individuals believe they would help someone in need, they are less likely to intervene when in a crowd setting due to the diffusion of responsibility (George et al., 2023).  These experiments stress how social context can shape behavior, often in ways individuals do not anticipate. 

This understanding presents significant challenges for the scientific approach within social psychology.  While many studies rely on self-report measures, asking participants how they think they would act in hypothetical scenarios, such methods are subject to significant limitations.  As George, Kelley, Piferi (2023) explain, self-reports are inherently flawed.  They are prone to biases such as social desirability, limited self-awareness, and the inability to accurately simulate the emotional and cognitive pressures of real-life situations.  As a result, while self-reports provide valuable insights into personal values and beliefs, they cannot reliably predict actual behavior.  To effectively understand the complexity of human behavior, researchers must employ experimental and observational approaches that capture behavior in real or controlled environments.

These psychological findings resonate with a deeper truth revealed in scripture.  From a biblical perspective, the discrepancy between one’s intentions and actions serve as a reflection of the moral brokenness inherent in the fallen nature of humanity.  Scripture teaches that although human beings are created in the image of God, are affected by sin, which disrupts their ability to consistently live in accordance with moral convictions.  The Apostle Paul vividly captures this inner struggle in Romans 7:15 (ESV).  “For I do not understand my own actions.  For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.”  This biblical understanding helps explain why people often fail to behave as they would – emphasizing the need for humanity, reliance on God’s grace, and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.

In conclusion, social psychology demonstrates compelling evidence that human behavior is deeply influenced by situational influences, often leading to the disconnect between intentional behaviors and actual actions.  This awareness exposes the limitations of relying on self-report measures and emphasizes the importance of utilizing comprehensive research methods.  Through the lens of a Christian worldview, this inconsistency in behavior reflects the reality of humanity’s fallen nature and continual need for God’s guidance and grace.  Combining psychological insights with biblical principles fosters a more holistic perspective on the complexities of human behavior.

Bibliography

George, S., Kelley, B., and Piferi, R. (2023). Introduction to psychology from a Christian worldview (2nd ed.). Kendall Hunt.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Bible. (2016). Crossway Bibles. (Original work published 2001)