Psychological Perspectives and Approaches

Psychological Perspectives and Approaches

Behaviourist Approach

  • Focuses mainly on observable behaviours and how they’re learned and influenced by the environment.
  • Pioneers include John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner.
  • Key concepts: conditioning (both classical and operant), reinforcement (both positive and negative), and punishment.

Cognitive Approach

  • Looks into the mental processes involved in gaining knowledge, such as perception, thought, memory, and learning.
  • Includes theories like the multistore model of memory, attribution theory, and Beck’s cognitive theory of depression.
  • Believes that cognitive processes can be scientifically studied using experiments.

Biological Approach

  • Concentrates on the influence of nature, genetics, the brain, and biochemical imbalances on behaviour and mental wellbeing.
  • Key areas of study: neurochemistry, genetics, evolutionary psychology, and physiology.
  • Looks into treatment approaches like drug therapy and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Psychodynamic Approach

  • Originated from the work of Sigmund Freud.
  • Factors such as the unconscious mind, early childhood experiences, and our relationship with our parents are considered crucial.
  • Concepts to understand: id, ego, superego, psychosexual stages, defence mechanisms.

Humanistic Approach

  • Often seen as the ‘third force’ in psychology after psychoanalysis and behaviourism.
  • Focuses on the subjective experiences and personal motivations that guide behaviour.
  • Pioneers include Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers.

Socio-cultural Approach

  • Studies how societal and cultural factors affect our behaviour and thinking.
  • Two big areas in socio-cultural psychology: social influence (including conformity and obedience) and cultural psychology.
  • It believes our surroundings and the people we interact with greatly shape our understanding and behaviour.

Each approach has its own strengths and limitations, and treating the whole person often involves a combination of these approaches. Understand the basic principles and concepts of each perspective to ensure a comprehensive understanding of psychology within health and social care.