Principal Psychological Perspectives as Applied to the Understanding of Development and Behaviour

I. Overview of Principal Psychological Perspectives

Psychological perspectives explain why people behave the way they do. These perspectives include the Behaviourist, Cognitive, Humanistic, Social Learning Theory, and the Biological perspective.

II. Behaviourist Perspective

Behaviourists believe all behaviour is learned from the environment. They suggest any person could be trained to perform any task, regardless of their background, feelings or abilities.
Key theorists: B.F. Skinner, John B. Watson.

III. Cognitive perspective

Cognitive psychologists focus on how people understand, diagnose, and solve problems, concerning themselves with the mental processes.
Cognitive theory suggests that mental processes shape behaviour.
Key figures: Jean Piaget, who theorised four stages of cognitive development in children.

IV. Humanistic Perspective

This theory focuses on individual potential and stresses the importance of self-actualization and self-esteem.
Humanists believe people are motivated to achieve their potential and self-actualise.
Key theorists: Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow.

V. Social Learning Theory

This theory emphasises the impact of observing and modelling the behaviours, attitudes, and emotional reactions of others. This approach considers learning as a cognitive process.
Key theorists: Albert Bandura, who thought of learning as a process of observation, imitation and modelling.

VI. Biological Perspective

Biological psychologists explain behaviours in relation to the brain and physiological processes. They consider issues like how genes, hormones and the nervous system interact with environments to shape people’s behaviours.
Key figures: Sigmund Freud, who developed psychoanalytic theory that links our behaviours to our unconscious mind.

VII. Applying Psychological Perspectives to Understanding Development and Behaviour

Development and behaviour can be understood as a confluence of these perspectives. Empathy, for example, might be partially learned behaviour (Behaviourist), a cognitive understanding of other’s emotions (Cognitive), an aspect of reaching human potential (Humanistic), learned from social role models (Social Learning Theory) and/or a facet of our genetic make-up (Biological).

VIII. Ethical Considerations

Applying these perspectives in health and social care practises involves respecting individuals’ rights and dignity. This includes acknowledging and respecting diversity, promoting individual rights and beliefs, and maintaining confidentiality.

IX. Conclusion

While different psychological perspectives offer alternative explanations for behaviour and development, it is common in modern psychology to use a range of perspectives simultaneously to achieve a more complete understanding.