THE TFB APPROACH TO UNDERSTANDING HUMAN BEHAVIOR
In our experiences with people, we have found the more we know about how we function, the more we learn about what makes us do the things we do. Similarly, the more we know about the thoughts, feelings and behavior of others, the more we understand them. This increased perception of ourselves and others, enables us to form more meaningful and productive relationships.
The course a relationship takes is related to the amount of understanding that exists between two people. When understanding is present, a relationship is satisfying and fulfilling. When understanding is lacking, frustration and conflict result.
SMOOTH RELATIONSHIP
UNDERSTANDING=SATISFACTION + FULFILLMENT=GROWTH
DISRUPTED RELATIONSHIP
NO UNDERSTANDING=FRUSTRATION + CONFLICT=NO GROWTH
When understanding is present we grow as individuals and continue to relate with others. When understanding is lacking we do not grow and our relationships with other people are disrupted.
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The TFB (Thinking, Feeling, Behavior) approach facilitates increased understanding of ourselves and others because it is concerned with the “totality” of the individual. Other approaches have been developed to help us explore why people do the things they do. Although these approaches have done much to help us know ourselves and others, they are lacking because they concern themselves with only one of the three elements.
In this publication, we examine each area separately and then explore the relationship between them. The exercises amplify and personalize TFB, as well as bring it into perspective.
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