How Our Experiences Shape the Way We Think: Bias, Beliefs, and Human Behavior

We all have confirmation bias, according to psychologists. This means we often make assumptions based on our experiences, limited knowledge, and perceptions (what we notice and observe about others and even ourselves).

No one is completely exempt from bias. It isn't necessarily a good or bad thing; it's a natural part of human nature. However, recognizing our biases is important because they can influence how we see and treat others (Nickerson, 1998).

Schemas, Nature, and Nurture

As humans, we learn to adapt to the world around us. Through our experiences, environments, and the beliefs and behaviors we observe, we develop mental frameworks called schemas. These frameworks help us interpret information and make sense of the world around us (Gilboa & Marlatte, 2017).

Our experiences also influence the development and strengthening of neural pathways in our brains. The brain continues developing into adulthood, with certain areas, particularly those involved in decision-making, emotional regulation, and impulse control, continuing to mature into young adulthood (Casey et al., 2008).

Scientists have also found that our brains are capable of adapting and changing through a process called neuroplasticity. Although certain aspects of learning and adapting may change as we get older, our brains can continue forming and strengthening neural connections throughout life.

We often become creatures of habit, developing established patterns of thinking and behaving.

Side note: It is still possible to learn, grow, and develop new neural pathways throughout life. Don't let age limit your willingness to learn something new!

That said, we don't just adapt our behaviors. We also develop beliefs, assumptions, and ways of thinking that can be influenced by the people around us.

We begin making assumptions even when we're young.

For example, if we have one or two negative experiences with male teachers, we might begin assuming that male teachers are mean or unapproachable. Over time, we may develop a general bias against male teachers, even though there are plenty of kind, caring, and good male teachers.

Our limited experiences can sometimes shape how we perceive an entire group of people.

Learned Helplessness and Self-Fulfilling Prophecies

We can also develop something psychologists call learned helplessness.

This happens when someone repeatedly experiences difficult situations where their efforts don't seem to make a difference. Eventually, they may begin believing they are the problem, that they are incapable, or that trying again is pointless (Maier & Seligman, 2016).

This can contribute to a self-fulfilling prophecy: We begin believing something about ourselves, and those beliefs can influence our decisions, behaviors, and expectations in ways that reinforce what we already believe.

There's an interesting connection here to the biblical principle in Proverbs 23:7: "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he" (King James Version).

Our thoughts can reveal underlying beliefs, fears, and perceptions. If we pay close enough attention to our thought patterns, we may begin recognizing things we have believed about ourselves without ever questioning them.

Fear, Projection, and Mental Health Stigma

As we get older, we don't just carry our experiences with us; sometimes, we interpret other people's actions and behaviors based on our own experiences.

Fear, in particular, can influence how we perceive others. We may assume someone will behave a certain way because of something we experienced in the past. Sometimes, we may even project our own fears, feelings, or insecurities onto other people.

Mental health is another area where our perceptions and assumptions can influence how we view others. Some people may assume that because certain individuals experiencing mental health challenges struggle with everyday responsibilities or require additional support, everyone experiencing similar challenges must have the same limitations.

The reality is that we all have mental health, just as we all have physical health, although our experiences and circumstances vary. Having a diagnosed mental health disorder does not mean someone cannot be successful, maintain a career, live independently, raise a family, or make meaningful contributions to society. Some individuals may need more support than others, but with appropriate resources, understanding, and support systems, a diagnosis does not have to define someone's capabilities or potential. One person's experience does not establish what is true for everyone.

Ultimately, our perceptions are shaped by what we have learned, experienced, and observed. Recognizing that influence allows us to question our assumptions, remain open to new information, and better understand the people and world around us.

References

Confirmation Bias and Human Perception

Nickerson, R. S. (1998). Confirmation bias: A ubiquitous phenomenon in many guises. Review of General Psychology, 2(2), 175–220. https://doi.org/10.1037/1089-2680.2.2.175

Schemas, Learning, and Memory

Gilboa, A., & Marlatte, H. (2017). Neurobiology of schemas and schema-mediated memory. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 21(8), 618–631. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2017.04.013

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2018). How people learn II: Learners, contexts, and cultures. The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/24783

Brain Development and Neuroplasticity

Casey, B. J., Jones, R. M., & Hare, T. A. (2008). The adolescent brain. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1124(1), 111–126. https://doi.org/10.1196/annals.1440.010

Power, J. D., & Schlaggar, B. L. (2017). Neural plasticity across the lifespan. WIREs Developmental Biology, 6(1), e216. https://doi.org/10.1002/wdev.216

Learned Helplessness and Thought Patterns

Maier, S. F., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2016). Learned helplessness at fifty: Insights from neuroscience. Psychological Review, 123(4), 349–367. https://doi.org/10.1037/rev0000033

Mental Health and Stigma

Loughman, A., & Haslam, N. (2018). Neuroscientific explanations and the stigma of mental disorder: A meta-analytic study. Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications, 3, Article 43. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41235-018-0136-1

Biblical Reference

The Holy Bible, King James Version. Proverbs 23:7.

Author's Note:

The concepts discussed in this article draw on psychological principles and topics explored through my education and continued learning.