B.E.S.T. slave Training

Attitude

Epictetus, a Roman slave turned philosopher, said that "when an event happens to you in life, you have in your power only one thing; your attitude toward it! You cannot change an event, but you can change your attitude toward it."

An attitude is a combination of learned beliefs and feelings that effect behavior. It addition, it has been shown that changing behavior (acting "as if") can change attitude. Attitudes are set within our private logic. Private logic is the way we see ourselves, others and life and is our personal philosophy that our lifestyle is based upon.

Changing a slave’s attitude about a particular object is not always easy. Attitudes are based on what she thinks about the object and what they think about the object and resistance to change is often based on several factors.

It may be helpful to examine the components of attitude in order to assist a Master in the training of his slave and provide insight into changing attitudes.

Definition of Attitude:

Attitude is defined as a predisposition to respond to a particular object in a generally favorable or unfavorable way. Attitude is influenced by the way we perceive and respond to the world and is acquired through learning. An attitude is expressed in the present, but is a reflection of past experiences and learning. It is possible to change an attitude with a present tense focus, but it is often advisable to examine the past and discuss when, where, how and why the attitude developed.

Because attitudes are an important influence on a slave, a Master and the relationship, they deserve a central place in training. Changing attitudes is a component in the re-socialization of a slave.

Always remember that proper attitude is key to having proper motivation to achieve goals.

The components of an attitude: (Beliefs, evaluation and behavior)

As discussed in other sections on this website, we first, think, then feel, then act. What we think about an object causes an emotion and in return causes a particular behavior.

An attitude about something requires a label and a set of cognitions or knowledge structures associated with that label. Knowing that an attitude is based upon labeling is a useful tool in training.

An attitude also has an evaluation element. The evaluation has both a direction and intensity. In other words, what we think about an object causes an emotional reaction that is positive or negative and the reaction can range from a mild to strong reaction, depending on what we think about the object.

Because we have a certain belief and evaluation about an object, we have a behavioral predisposition related to the object. Therefore, behavior is based upon beliefs.

How attitudes are formed:

Attitudes are formed about a particular object by direct experience with the object, repeated association that produces a response, and observing others.

An attitude serves one or more of the following three purposes:

1. We develop favorable attitudes toward objects that reward or aid us and unfavorable attitudes toward objects that thwart or punish us.
2. It provides a schematic or knowledge function and a means to group categories together. It simplifies life by allowing us to group objects perceived to be similar under the same label. It allows us to quickly base an opinion about an object based upon past experiences and learning about a similar object. One key to changing attitude about an object is to change the label associated with the object to a more favorable one.
3. It defines one's self and maintains self-worth. Many attitudes express basic values and reinforce self-image.

A person’s attitude about an object is usually not isolated, but is embedded in a cognitive structure, linked with a variety of other attitudes. That is why it is difficult to change a person’s attitude.

Attitudes have a vertical and horizontal structure:

Vertical structure means that a primary belief will effect many minor beliefs under it. An attempt to change a minor belief will not effect the major structure of an attitude. The source of the attitude must be examined. Just telling a slave that she has a bad attitude will not cause a change. A core belief can cause attitudes about a wide range of objects.

Horizontal structure is when an attitude is linked to two or more different justifications. An attitude with two or more horizontal linkages or justifications is more difficult to change than one based on a single primitive belief. Changing a belief about one linkage will not change overall attitude because a second belief also upholds the attitude. Each linkage must be examined and the thought process related to it must be challenged.

Some questions to ask about an attitude:

How long have you held this belief?

What happened that caused you first to feel this way about the object?

What were you doing when you first remember acting that way?

Why do you feel that way about the object?

Is this attitude helping or hurting your slavery?

Techniques for changing attitude:

If you change a slave's attitude, then you can change her behavior. According to social psychology, a Master can change a slaves attitude by one of the following techniques: (Note: I don't consider it a complete list)

1. Foot-in-the-Door Technique. To get someone to change an attitude or grant a favor, begin with a small attitude change or favor. The theory is that a second change is easier after the first one. This is the method used on American POW's during the Korean War.
2. Door-in-the-Face Technique. First, ask for an outrageous attitude change or favor, then reduce it to a much smaller and more reasonable one. It works best if there is not much time between requests.
3. Ask-and-you-shall-be-given Technique. People will respond by giving to what is seen as a good cause.
4. Lowballing Technique. A person is influenced because they perceive a low stake in it. Once the decision is made, the stakes can be increased.
5. Modeling. Modeling the behavior of someone else increases the likelihood that they will change.
6. Incentives Techniques. Incentives work well for changing behavior but not attitude. A person can go to work for the money, but still dislike the job.
7. Role Playing. Role refers to behaviors that are expected of someone in a particular social setting. A slave is expected to act as a slave and therefore her behavior will change to meet her behavior.

Different views on how attitude is changed:

Below are three theories of how attitudes are changed:

1. Cognitive Dissonance Theory:

   Cognitive dissonance is a mental discomfort (conflict) caused by a discrepancy between two or more personal beliefs or between beliefs and behavior. This provides motivation to change either an attitude or behavior to reduce dissonance.

   In slave training, the slave knows that she can't change her behavior, because it is structured by her Master, therefore she is motivated to change her attitude to maintain a balance.

2. Reactance Theory:

   When a slave feels her freedom of choice is being unjustly restricted, she is motivated to re-establish it. (see section on Resistance & Reactance for more detail.

3. Self-Perception Theory:

   This theory states that attitude and emotions are inferred from behavior. It states that people don't know their attitude, until they stop and examine their behavior. They will first search for an external explanation and if none exists, they will turn to internal ones.

Return to Attitude in Theory section