Applying the Interactional Approach to Johnny Wilkinson

Hollander's theory suggests that your behaviours are determined by a combination of genetics and environmental factors using this equation.

B=F(P.E) - Behaviour is the function of personality and environment. 

This equation suggests that your personality is determined by who you are brought up by, where you live and what you do on a day to day basis, the people you hang around with and the situations you are put in from an early age. 

I chose Jonny Wilkinson because this theory can be applied to him. He kicked a drop goal to win the Rugby World Cup at the age of 24 which is reasonably young age. He managed this because his personality allowed him to do this. He was put under high pressure situations from the start of his rugby career competing against the likes of Mike Catt for a position in the England squad. He participated in the "Tour of hell" where England suffered heavy defeats to Australia and New Zealand. This environment which he played rugby in from an early age meant that he didnt feel as much pressure when he was taking the drop goal in 2003. 

The environment he grew up in also helped in high pressure environments as he would practice for 2 hours everyday just repeating basic skills over and over until he perfected them. Again because of this environment he grew up in meant that he was so comfortable with doing a basic skill such as taking a drop goal he could rely on that to make that kick. 

12 years on and wilkinson is still known as the best goal kicker in world rugby. Winning the Heineken Cup twice in a row with Toulon after years of being on the sideline through injury. It was not until when he went to France that he experienced an injury free season. Again his personality helped him achieve this because he wasnt so calm and patient then maybe a retirement would have been on the cards at Newcastle. This patience was learnt again through the environment he grew up in and it could be argued that he has taken some genes from his parents that enable him to do this. This has brought Jonny a very successful last few seasons making him a living legend. I dont think he would have achieved such goals if he was brought up in a different environment