1.1. Identify some of the factors that can influence and shape a person’s behaviour

This guide will help you answer 1.1. Identify some of the factors that can influence and shape a person’s behaviour.

Different factors can affect the way a person thinks, feels, and acts. Everyone is unique, and a mix of influences contribute to how we behave each day. This guide covers the main areas that shape a person’s behaviour within health and social care.

Biological Factors

Biological factors refer to the physical and genetic aspects that affect a person’s behaviour. Some people may act a certain way because of the way their body works or the genes they inherit from their parents.

Genetics

Genetics means the traits passed from parents to children through DNA. Some behaviours run in families, such as certain patterns of mood or reaction. For example, a person might have a higher chance of experiencing low mood if their parents or close relatives have depression.

Physical Health Conditions

Physical disabilities or long-term health problems can impact how a person behaves. Pain, discomfort, or limitations in movement may lead to frustration or changes in mood. Some people may withdraw or become less social, while others might act out due to feeling unwell or limited in what they can do.

Brain Chemistry

Chemicals in the brain, like serotonin and dopamine, affect mood and thinking. Imbalances in these chemicals can cause mood swings, anxiety, or other changes. For example, low serotonin is linked to depression.

Hormonal Changes

Hormones are chemicals released in the body that affect growth, energy, and emotions. Sudden changes in hormone levels during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause can lead to irritability, sadness, or unpredictable behaviour.

Psychological Factors

Psychological factors relate to the mind, emotions, and how a person copes with stress. Experiences, feelings, and thoughts play a strong role in shaping behaviour.

Personality

Personality is the combination of qualities and traits that form a person’s character. Outgoing people might be more social, while shy individuals prefer to avoid large groups. Personality shapes how people react to situations and relate to others.

Past Experiences

Positive or negative experiences, especially during childhood, can affect how someone sees the world. Abuse, trauma, loss, or bullying may lead to fear, mistrust, or anxiety. Supportive care, praise, and success tend to build trust and confidence.

Self-Esteem

Self-esteem means how someone values themselves. A person with high self-esteem feels confident, while low self-esteem can lead to withdrawal, poor self-care, or risky choices.

Coping Skills

Coping skills are the ways people deal with stress, setbacks, or change. Some use problem-solving or talk about how they feel. Others may struggle to cope and become angry, depressed, or anxious.

Social Factors

Social factors include the influences from family, friends, work, school, and wider society. Everyday interactions and relationships make a big difference to how a person acts.

Family Relationships

The kind of support or conflict at home often shapes behaviour. Children raised in caring, stable homes tend to feel safe and behave more calmly. Arguments, violence, or neglect may lead to aggression, withdrawal, or other issues.

Peer Groups

Friends can influence behaviour at all ages, but the effect is greatest during childhood and teenage years. Peer pressure may lead people to try new things—either positive, like joining a club, or negative, like trying drugs or alcohol. Wanting to fit in can drive some people to act differently from their usual self.

Education and Learning

What a person learns at school or from teachers shapes their beliefs, values, and actions. Access to education gives people a greater choice and helps them build confidence.

Social Class and Environment

Money, housing quality, and neighbourhood safety affect wellbeing. Living in poverty or unsafe areas leads to higher stress and may cause people to act out, withdraw, or develop unhealthy coping methods.

Culture

Culture is the shared set of customs, beliefs, food, dress, and behaviours followed by a group. It shapes how people think about family, health, work, and how to behave in public. Someone might feel pressure to act one way at home and another way outside, especially if they come from a minority background.

Social Norms

Social norms are the unwritten rules about how to behave that most people follow. These vary by country, religion, and group. For example, the way people greet each other, dress, or show respect depends on social norms in that area or community.

Emotional Factors

Emotional factors are closely linked to psychological and social influences, but focus on feelings and moods. How a person manages or expresses emotions can affect behaviour in many ways.

Mood Disorders

Mood disorders like depression or bipolar disorder change the way people feel and behave. Someone with depression may seem sad, tired, or uninterested in social activities. Those with bipolar disorder can swing between high energy and low mood, affecting decision-making and social interactions.

Anxiety

Worry, fear, and anxiety can cause people to avoid situations or act out. Some may become clingy, silent, or restless. Anxiety can affect sleep, concentration, and appetite, leading to changes in behaviour.

Grief and Loss

Losing a loved one or experiencing a big change can lead to grief. People cope in different ways. Some withdraw from friends, lose interest in usual activities, or become tearful or angry.

Anger

Anger can build up from feeling hurt, misunderstood, or powerless. Some people express anger by shouting or arguing, while others keep it inside and may become withdrawn or silent.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors come from the world around a person. Homes, workplaces, and wider surroundings influence how people feel and act.

Housing

Poor or unstable housing can create stress. Problems such as overcrowding, damp, or noise may disturb sleep and affect health. Lack of personal space may lead to arguments or withdrawal.

Neighbourhood

A safe and friendly neighbourhood encourages outdoor activity, social interaction, and a sense of community. Dangerous or run-down areas can increase fear and isolation.

Access to Services

The availability of healthcare, social support, shops, or transport affects daily life. People without support or easy access to services may struggle to look after themselves and could develop unhealthy routines.

Work Environment

Friendly and supportive workplaces make people feel valued and motivated. Bullying, discrimination, or heavy workloads can lead to stress, absenteeism, or conflict.

Economic Factors

Money problems can have a major effect on behaviour. Poverty, unemployment, and debt cause stress, worry, and low self-worth.

Income

A steady income allows people to meet their basic needs for food, housing, and safety. Without it, people may feel powerless, anxious, or ashamed. These feelings often affect how they act at home and in public.

Employment Status

Being unemployed or in an insecure job may lead to loss of structure and pride. People out of work often feel isolated and have less reason to get up and socialise.

Access to Resources

Income affects whether people can access education, healthcare, transport, and other services. Limited resources limit independence and choice.

Developmental Factors

Early childhood, teenage years, and aging all bring periods of change that can influence behaviour. How someone grows up and changes through life stages matters.

Childhood Development

Children need love, safety, and routine. If their needs are not met, they may develop behavioural problems later. Good care and education support healthy behaviour, while neglect and abuse can cause difficulty forming trust or handling emotions.

Teenage Years

Hormones, new experiences, and changing relationships mark this stage. Teenagers may challenge rules or act out as they form their own identity.

Aging

Older adults may face health changes, loss of loved ones, or reduced mobility. These changes can affect independence, lead to sadness or confusion, and influence how they act.

Cultural and Religious Beliefs

Culture and religion guide beliefs, values, and traditions. These influence what people see as right and wrong, and how they respond to life events.

Religious Practices

Beliefs may provide comfort, hope, or a sense of community. Conflict between personal values and those of wider society can cause distress and challenge behaviour.

Celebrations and Rituals

Marking events like holidays, weddings, or funerals influences mood and behaviour. Lack of support or misunderstanding from others may lead to feeling isolated or misunderstood.

Media and Technology

What people see on television, online, or in newspapers affects how they act and what they believe.

Media Representations

The way different groups or behaviours are shown in the media shapes public attitudes and personal choices. For instance, seeing negative stereotypes may lower self-esteem or increase prejudice.

Internet and Social Media

The internet connects people and information. Social media use can shape behaviour, especially among younger people. Online bullying, unrealistic comparisons, or pressure for likes can lead to anxiety, poor body image, or acting out.

Digital Addiction

Excessive use of technology can lead to less face-to-face contact and poor sleep. This can cause loneliness, low mood, or restlessness.

Legal and Political Factors

Laws, rules, and government policies shape what is allowed and what is expected.

Laws and Policies

Laws set limits on behaviour. Examples include rules about drink-driving, smoking, and anti-discrimination. People may change their actions to avoid fines or prison.

Changes in Policy

Changes to benefits, healthcare access, or care standards affect day-to-day life. Sudden changes can be stressful and drive changes in how people act.

Final Thoughts

Knowing what shapes behaviour can help in giving better support. Paying attention to these influences means care workers can respond more compassionately and effectively to each person’s unique needs.