People-Watching as an Art for Authors – Pt.5

Part Five: Observing Behavior

In any individual, an infinite number of behaviors are observable. When it comes to drawing inferences about personality, emotional make-up, temperament, or character, these behaviors are far form equal in value. Assessing personality from direct observation of manifold external appearances and behaviors is an old art, but one that regrettably has not reached the state where all pertinent and meaningful bits of behavior can be specified.

If it were possible to control the situation, as in a structured interview or in the administration of valid psychological tests, the need for reliable direct observations would not be so acute. The most that can be offered at this time is some general techniques of observation to supplement what might best be called the observer's “feel” for the situation.

External Appearances. Any target, first of all, is a physical entity. There are certain aspects of his being that can be objectively ascertained and recorded. Morphologically, he is about the same as any other man. However, beyond the biological substratum he shares with other men, he is unique: there is no other person exactly like him.

The target has a certain height, weight, body build, age, sex and coloring, comprising what is commonly referred to as a person's “vital statistics.” No only do these vital statistics physically identify the person. They also tell us a good deal inferentially about him.

In our own culture, for example, tallness in men often leads to such inferences as dominance (leadership quality), attractiveness to the opposite sex, and feelings of self-confidence. Obesity would yield inferences concerning sensuousness, self-indulgence, lethargy, and so on. Marked deviation from the norms of any culture usually results in psychological pressures on the individual that may profoundly affect his behavior.

A person with “regular” physical features, according to the esthetics of his culture, tends to be accepted more readily than one who has an abnormal condition that is clearly apparent: severe acne, a disabling limp, a missing limb, or a severe speech impediment. Physical abnormality can be a significant determinant of self-image and self-image has an important bearing on a person's attitudes and deportment.

Abnormalities that incapacitate or disfigure may be inherited or acquired, and learning which is the case in a specific instance can provide a meaningful clue to a target's effectiveness in coping with his environment. It is thus important to learn whether he is oblivious of his deformity or extremely self-conscious about it. Does he vent his sensitivity by talking or joking about his condition or doe he carefully avoid any reference to it?

In some individuals there is a striking difference between chronological and apparent age, a discrepancy that may alter or influence behavior in important ways, particularly as it affects their social roles. A man who looks considerably older than he is may be passed over for jobs that require youthfulness and vigor, while one who is perennially youthful may be denied the prestige and prerogatives of his profession or position.

In any case, where marked discrepancy between true and apparent age exists, it is likely to have some effect on the target's social status and his psychological well-being.

Coming in Part Six: General Health

People-Watching as an Art for Authors – Pt.6

Part Six: General Health