While Christian parents are instructed to “train up a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6), many parents do not realize that some of the most important aspects of learning in children are taught by parents inadvertently. This learning includes the expression and labeling of emotions, and the assignment of personal values. Parents tacitly model for children a complex schemata of ego defenses (cognitive styles), applied values, and experiential labels. Although several theoretical schools (e.g. learning theory, psychodynamic theory, and systems theory) have terminology describing this phenomenon, Piaget's concepts of “schemata,” “assimilation,” “accommodation,” and “cognitive growth” best integrate the processes involved because as used in his system they describe qualitative changes in mentation. Parents have need to develop a greater awareness of the powerful influences that modeling, or “schematic portrayal” as it is referred to in this article, has on their children. In addition there is need for parents to become more cognizant of the psychological processes operating in their own personalities. This would allow Christian parents, in particular, to realize the importance of their own values, beliefs, and behavior in training and witnessing to their children.
Consumer Response to Perceived Hypocrisy in Corporate Social Responsibility Activities
