Contribution of Psychological Perspectives to the Management of Behaviours

Cognitive psychological perspective implies that our thoughts and beliefs shape our behaviour. Managing behaviour therefore could involve altering these thoughts and beliefs, either through cognitive behavioural therapy or similar techniques. This is often used in treating mental health disorders like depression or anxiety.
Behaviourist perspective posits that all behaviour is learned from the environment and can be modified by using conditioning principles. Two forms include Operant Conditioning (learning through rewards and punishment) and Classical Conditioning (associative learning). These methods are often used in behaviour management strategies.
The Humanist perspective suggests that behaviour is driven by individual free will and the pursuit of personal growth. Self-actualisation, or the realisation of one’s full potential, becomes the ultimate goal. Therapies grounded in humanist psychology (like person-centred therapy) can be key in managing behaviour by focusing on an individual’s personal growth and self-understanding.
Psychodynamic perspective, derived from the work of Freud, states that behaviour is influenced by unconscious drives and past experiences. Psychoanalytical techniques such as free association and dream analysis can be used in managing or understanding certain behaviours.
The Biological perspective argues that behaviours are influenced by genetics, biological functions of the brain, neurotransmitters, and hormonal changes. Medication which can manage these biological factors (like antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs) might be used to manage behaviour in certain cases, like mental health issues.
The Socio-cultural perspective states that social pressures and cultural norms have a strong impact on individual’s behaviour. Understanding this perspective can help health and social care professionals create social environments that promote positive behaviour and discourage negative behaviour.
Evolutionary perspective suggests that certain behaviours are adaptive or were adaptive in humanity’s past and have become hardwired into the human brain. This perspective can help inform strategies for behaviour management that align with these innate predispositions.