Principal Psychological Perspectives Applied to Behaviour

Section: Behaviouristic Perspective

Behaviouristic Perspective applies a scientific lens to understand human behaviour, focusing on observable behaviour rather than internal mental processes.
Principal psychologists including John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner are responsible for the development of this perspective.
It studies how behaviour can be manipulated or controlled by external stimuli or reinforcement, often discussed in terms of conditioning.
Classical Conditioning (Pavlovian Conditioning) involves learning by association, e.g., pairing of a neutral stimulus with a meaningful stimulus.
Operant Conditioning, another concept, concentrates on reinforcement and punishment as crucial elements to modify behaviour.
This perspective is significant in the realm of Uniformed Protective Services for behaviour management and discipline training.

Section: Psychoanalytic Perspective

The Psychoanalytic Perspective, envisioned by Sigmund Freud, leverages subconscious factors to elucidate behaviours.
It assumes that the roots of behaviour lie in early childhood experiences and unresolved, unconscious conflicts.
Key elements include the id (instinctual desires), ego (reality), and super-ego (morality), which constantly interact within an individual.
An understanding of this perspective aids entry-level officers to tackle stress-related behavioural issues and manage conflict effectively.

Section: Humanistic Perspective

The Humanistic Perspective, owing to Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, emphasises free will, positivity, and the desire to grow.
It revolves around the concept of self-actualisation, which is an individual’s intrinsic drive to achieve their maximum potential and realise self-growth.
The theoretical concepts of hierarchy of needs (Maslow’s Pyramid) and the self-concept (how we see ourselves versus how others see us) stem from this perspective.
Understanding this perspective serves a wide application in developing communication skills, empathy, and personal growth within Uniformed Protective Services.

Section: Cognitive Perspective

The Cognitive Perspective, endorsed by Jean Piaget and others, explores how humans process, store, and interpret information to influence their behaviour.
It investigates thinking, perception, problem solving, memory, language, and other aspects of cognition.
Knowledge of the Cognitive Perspective is vital for officers within the Protective Services to enhance their decision-making, problem-solving strategies, stress management, and communication skills.

Section: Biological Perspective

The Biological Perspective examines how physiological and genetic factors impact behaviour and decision-making.
It focuses on the role of the brain, neurotransmitters, hormones, and the genetic makeup in influencing behaviour.
This perspective is instrumental in understanding the physical and mental health challenges experienced by service personnel, along with stress management and resilience.

Section: Socio-Cultural Perspective

The Socio-Cultural Perspective considers how sociocultural factors like social norms, cultures, and environmental conditions shape an individual’s behaviour.
Understanding this perspective allows Uniformed Protective Services officers to respect diversity, promote inclusion, and employ effective communication in multicultural scenarios.