Recognizing the Need Over the Misbehavior

What We Usually Do
When a child misbehaves, or even an adult, how do we react? My friend has a roommate who often feels that her roommates do not care about her. This roommate will sometimes react negatively and call her roommates names and make accusations against them. My friend and the other roommates often retreat and don't want anything to do with this certain roommate. From an outsider's perspective, this type of reaction could encourage the attention-seeking roommate.
What We Should Do
Bad behavior should not just simply be punished. Bad behavior is often the result of a need being unfulfilled. That need should be recognized before any sort of action is taken. With the example of the temper-tantrum roommate, my friend and the other roommates should take time to ponder why their roommate is acting is such a way and what needs this roommate may have. There are different steps to take instead of just punishing bad behavior.