Curb Cursing & Swearing: Crafting a Self-Control Program - Essay Sample

Introduction

The essay will develop a self-control program for my profanity-speaking behavior. I have noticed that whenever I engage in any conversation, I always swear or use offensive words. The behavior has severely damaged by social life include very close friendships. At home, my parents have had to ground me several times as well as denying me a ticket to movies. The self-control program will essential at helping me curb cursing and swearing behavior.

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Describing My Behavior

My conversations are filled with cursing and swearing words. Moreover, my tone and attitude behind those words have not helped the situation. Some of the people I converse with conclude that I am demeaning. I once used the word "nigga" when referring to an African American student in the class. Though his white friends used it on him quite often, most students though my using of the word was unnecessary. My girlfriend has also raised issues with my use of the word "bitch" on girls. On other occasions, I have used the words "Jesus Christ," "God" when cursing. By using these words, I have been accused of being blasphemous and disrespectful of other people's religion. My behavior has also taken an extreme level and has been using obscene words that are sexual by using the "F" word. Moreover, I used the phrase cocksucker and tits, which made the conversation very awkward.

Controlling the Behavior

To control behavior, I will have to begin by acknowledging my problem. I have released that a conversation loses its meaning when either party does not adhere to the proper language. Additionally, I recognize that no matter how humorous I want the conversation to be, using swear words or cursing cannot achieve that end. Using profane language has done more harm than good in enhancing my conversation skills.

I will put into consideration whether casual swearing can be eliminated. O'Connor (2016), in his book Cuss Control: The Complete Book on How to Curb Your Cursing, argues that there exist techniques that can curb curing behavior. The support of my friends will also be crucial to assess the change in my language and conversations.

Self-Control Techniques

The intervention technique will involve performing a replacement behavior. "Replacement behavior" is an exercise used in schools and consists in replacing the undesired behavior with a more positive one (Umbreit et al., 2007). To avoid using cursing words on the teacher, I will raise my hand during teacher-directed lessons. I will replace my use of "nigga," "bitch" among other words with direct calling peers' and teachers' names. I will also use straightforward names even on people I conflict with. Referring to persons by their name is a sign of respect that you acknowledge them. Using direct names is also a sign of respect. When interrupting the other party in a conversation, I will say "excuse me." If I am denied access to the desired item, I will use an appropriate request for the desired item or activity. For example, I can say, "Can I have my turn?" or "May I have the ___ please?".Additionally, I will extend the use of my appropriate language to situations where I want to escape from a task instead of profane language. Some of the possible replacement behaviors include saying "Can I do something else," "nor right now," and "no thank you" among others. In cases where I feel the use of the word will communicate my feelings, I will substitute words. O'Connor (2016) suggested that rather than saying you are "pissed of," one can say "ticked off" or "teed off."

To achieve the replacement behavior, I will also practice patient. When conversing, I will think of the reply before answering as quickly, reacting to someone's opinion or remarks can lead to a lot of swearing. Moreover, I will think positively to eliminate incidents of complaining. This will especially be the case for matters I have no control over. For other complaints, I will try to offer rational solutions

Another technique I will utilize is the use of the swear jar. The swear jar technique involves adding a dollar into a jar whenever one swears (Plaut, 2015). Keeping the jar box in my school locker or at home. The technique is more of a reward technique than a punishment.

Reinforcement of the Behavior

To reinforce the changes in my behavior, I will involve my peers and draw a contract. My peers will act as a reminder of my use of the language. I will inform my friends about the program so that they can raise the alarm on my use of the words. Additionally, they will be crucial in offering support. For those friends that reinforce my use of profane language, I will discuss with them on the program. By involving them, I will set the rules and be clear certain words and phrases are out of order. I will also draw a personal contract stipulating the time and my commitment to change.

Graphing

The intervention took place in three weeks at school. I noted down the swear words in every hour in frequency/event recording. The baseline variables were: number of swear words in an hour as the dependent variable and number days as the independent variable.

References

O'Connor, J. (2016). Cuss Control: The Complete Book on How to Curb Your Cursing 0th(0th ed.). Bloomington, IN: iUniverse, Inc.

Plaut, E. R. (2015). Technologies of avoidance: The swear jar and the cell phone. First Monday, 20(11). doi:10.5210/fm.v20i11.6295

Umbreit, Turton, A. M., Liaupsin, C. J., & Bartley, J. (2007). Function-Based Intervention for an Adolescent with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders in Bermuda: Moving across Culture. Behavioral Disorders, 33(1), 23-32. doi:10.1177/019874290703300102