Models for coaching
Cultural Conditioning Model
Useful in coaching for Finding Self, Self-Awareness
What is the cultural conditioning Model?
Cultural conditioning refers to the process by which individuals learn and internalise the beliefs, values, and behaviours of their culture. It is a powerful force that shapes our perceptions, attitudes, and actions, often without us even realising it. From an early age, we are exposed to the norms and expectations of our society, which become deeply ingrained in our psyche.
Cultural conditioning influences various aspects of our lives, including our beliefs about success, relationships, and happiness. It shapes our worldview and influences how we perceive ourselves and others. These cultural influences can be both positive and negative, as they can provide a sense of belonging and identity, but they can also limit our potential and hinder personal growth.
How can cultural conditioning affect our happiness and sense of self?
Cultural conditioning has a profound impact on our happiness and sense of self. The beliefs and values we acquire from our culture shape our understanding of what it means to be successful, happy, and fulfilled. For example, in some cultures, success may be equated with material wealth and social status, while in others, it may be associated with personal growth and contribution to society.
When we internalise these cultural expectations, we may find ourselves striving for goals that do not align with our true values and aspirations. We may feel pressured to conform to societal norms, even if they do not bring us genuine satisfaction. This can lead to a sense of disconnection from our authentic selves and a constant striving for external validation.
Furthermore, cultural conditioning can also perpetuate harmful stereotypes and biases. It can create divisions between different groups of people, leading to prejudice, discrimination, and inequality. It is essential to recognise the influence of cultural conditioning on our beliefs and behaviours, as it allows us to question and challenge ingrained cultural biases and create a more inclusive and equitable society.
How cultural conditioning can be explored in coaching
Coaching provides a valuable space for individuals to explore and challenge their cultural conditioning. By working with a coach, individuals can gain awareness of the cultural influences that shape their beliefs, values, and behaviours. This awareness allows them to question and challenge these influences, opening up new possibilities for personal growth and fulfilment.
In coaching, cultural conditioning can be explored through various techniques and approaches. One effective method is through self-reflection and examination of one’s own cultural background. The Cultural Conditioning model is useful in this situation. By exploring the cultural values and beliefs that have been passed down through generations, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of how these influences have shaped their identity and worldview.
Another approach is to examine the cultural conditioning that exists within the wider society. This involves analysing the societal norms and expectations that individuals have internalised and exploring how these beliefs may be limiting their potential. By questioning these cultural assumptions, individuals can break free from societal constraints and create a more authentic and fulfilling life. Again, the Cultural Conditioning model is helpful as a starting point for this exercise.
5 step Cultural Conditioning model
The Cultural Conditioning model is broken down into 5 steps. At each stage the norm or value becomes more deeply assimilated into our sub-conscious.
1. Observation/Instruction
In the first stage of the Cultural Conditioning model, individuals observe and receive instructions from their environment. This includes the influence of their peer group, family, and the wider culture. During this stage, individuals learn through observation and imitation, absorbing the beliefs, values, and behaviours of their cultural surroundings.
For example, a child growing up in a family that places a high value on academic achievement may observe their parents’ emphasis on education and receive instructions to prioritise their studies. This observation and instruction shape the child’s beliefs about the importance of education and influence their behaviour accordingly.
2. Imitation
In the second stage, individuals imitate the behaviours and attitudes of those around them. They learn by modelling the actions of their peers, family members, and cultural role models. Through imitation, individuals internalise the cultural norms and expectations, adopting them as their own.
For instance, a teenager may start imitating the fashion choices, speech patterns, and hobbies of their peer group. They do this to fit in and gain acceptance within their social circle. By imitating their peers, the teenager conforms to the cultural expectations of their group.
3. Reinforcement
The third stage of the Cultural Conditioning model involves the reinforcement of cultural conditioning through rewards and punishments. Individuals receive positive reinforcement when they conform to cultural norms and expectations, while deviating from these norms may result in negative consequences.
For example, a person who adheres to traditional gender roles may be praised and rewarded by their family and society. On the other hand, someone who challenges these roles may face criticism and rejection. Through reinforcement, individuals learn to seek approval and avoid disapproval by conforming to cultural norms.
4. Internalisation
In the fourth stage, cultural conditioning becomes internalised, becoming deeply ingrained in an individual’s beliefs and values. The external cultural influences are integrated into their identity and worldview. At this stage, individuals may not even question or critically examine their cultural conditioning, as it has become an integral part of their sense of self.
For instance, a person who has grown up in a culture that emphasises collectivism may internalise the belief that individual needs should always be subordinated to the needs of the group. This internalised cultural conditioning may influence their decision-making and behaviour, even if it goes against their personal desires or values.
5. Spontaneous Manifestation
In the final stage of the Cultural Conditioning model, cultural conditioning manifests spontaneously in an individual’s thoughts, emotions, and actions. It becomes an automatic and unconscious process, shaping their everyday experiences and interactions. At this stage, cultural conditioning may operate at a subconscious level, often without the individual’s awareness.
For example, a person who has been conditioned by their culture to believe that expressing vulnerability is a sign of weakness may find it challenging to open up emotionally. They may have an automatic fear of being judged or rejected, which inhibits their ability to form deep and meaningful connections with others.
Using the 5 step Cultural Conditioning model in coaching
The 5 step Cultural Conditioning model provides a framework for coaches to help clients explore and challenge their cultural conditioning. By guiding clients through each stage of the model, coaches can support individuals in gaining awareness of their cultural influences and developing strategies to overcome any limitations imposed by cultural conditioning.
Coaches can facilitate self-reflection and questioning of cultural assumptions in the observation/instruction stage. By encouraging clients to examine the beliefs and values they have acquired from their cultural environment, coaches can help individuals distinguish between their own authentic desires and the expectations of their culture.
In the imitation stage, coaches can help clients explore the behaviours and attitudes they have adopted from their cultural role models. By encouraging clients to critically examine these imitations, coaches can support individuals in identifying any incongruence between their authentic selves and the cultural conditioning they have internalised.
During the reinforcement stage, coaches can help clients recognise the rewards and punishments associated with conformity to cultural norms. By exploring the consequences of adhering to these norms, coaches can empower individuals to make conscious choices that align with their true values and aspirations, rather than seeking external validation.
In the internalisation stage, coaches can support clients in critically examining their deeply ingrained cultural conditioning. By encouraging individuals to question the beliefs and values they have internalised, coaches can help clients challenge any limiting beliefs and expand their possibilities for personal growth and fulfilment.
Finally, in the spontaneous manifestation stage, coaches can help clients become aware of the automatic and unconscious ways in which their cultural conditioning influences their thoughts, emotions, and actions. By bringing these patterns to light, coaches can support individuals in consciously choosing alternative ways of being that better align with their authentic selves.
Summary
Cultural conditioning is a powerful force that shapes our beliefs, values, and behaviours. It influences our happiness and sense of self, often without us even realising it. Through the 5 step Cultural Conditioning model, individuals can gain awareness of their cultural influences and challenge any limitations imposed by cultural conditioning.
Coaching provides a valuable space for individuals to explore and question their cultural conditioning. By working with a coach, individuals can break free from societal constraints, create a more authentic and fulfilling life, and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.
It is essential to recognise the influence of cultural conditioning and take proactive steps to examine and challenge its impact on our lives. By doing so, we can cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness, authenticity, and personal empowerment.
Other Coaching Models
Here’s some more helpful coaching and self-reflection models
Four Laws of Behaviour Change
Jung’s Model of the Psyche
