3.1. Describe psychological theories

Psychological Theories

Theories in psychology give a systematic means of understanding the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours of humans. They explain how people think, feel, and behave in various situations. It is vital in the field of health, social care, and psychological practices. These are broadly categorised based on the focus of the theories, either on mental processes, behaviours, or the underlying biological or social mechanisms.

Behavioural Theory

Behavioural theory, or behaviourism, is concerned with observable behaviours rather than internal mental states. It asserts that all behaviours are learnt through interaction with the environment through classical or operant conditioning. Key psychological figures such as John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner popularised the idea that behaviour is a result of reinforcement and punishment. This explanation rules out either thoughts or feelings and, instead, focuses on how external stimuli will bring about particular actions. Behavioural therapy has been derived from this theory and is now widely used in helping individuals to learn new behaviours or to unlearn harmful ones by modifying the environment and its contingencies. ?

Cognitive Theory

Cognitive theory focuses on internal mental processes, which include perception, memory, problem-solving, and decision-making. It postulates that thoughts have a direct impact on emotions and behaviours. From this point of view, the mind acts as an information processor, developing mental structures or frameworks (schemata) which allow individuals to organise and interpret incoming information. Cognitive-behavioural therapy is an application of cognitive theory, underlining that thinking influences feelings and behaviours. Cognitive-behavioural therapy works to change negative thoughts in order to achieve an improvement in emotions and behaviour. ?

Psychodynamic Theory

This is the psychodynamic theory developed by Sigmund Freud, who held that the unconscious mind influences behaviour. Much of our behaviour, suggested Freud, is driven by unconscious motives formed during early childhood. The human psyche is divided into the id, ego, and superego: instinctual desires, the realistic mediator, and moral conscience. The psychodynamic theory has been used to explain how unconscious conflict and childhood experiences shape adult personality and behaviour. This theory has greatly influenced psychotherapy, especially in the use of techniques like free association and dream analysis to discover unconscious motives.

Humanistic Theory

Humanistic psychology emerged as a response to the determinism of both behaviourist and psychodynamic theories, and it focused on human potential, free will, and self-actualisation. Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow are two well-known theorists of this approach. Humanistic theories stress personal growth, emphasising individual accomplishment and the innate tendency toward self-improvement and satisfaction. Maslow's hierarchy of needs describes levels from basic physiological requirements to self-actualisation. Rogers contributed the components of empathy and unconditional positive regard to therapy, advancing the client-centred approach that honours the person's subjective experience.?

Biological Theory

Biological theories attribute behaviour and mental processes to biological influences, particularly heredity, the brain, neurotransmitters, and evolution. Based on Darwin's ideas, this approach considers the traits of a person as inherited and influenced by various aspects of the body's physiological functioning. As such, it defends the theory that behaviours have physiological determinants, and hence, neurological and genetic studies are involved in the study of behaviour. For instance, genetic predisposition or chemical imbalances in the brain may be possible causes of specific mental health disorders.

Integrated Models and Other Approaches

More integrated frameworks, such as the biopsychosocial model, draw on biological, psychological, and social components to provide a complete perspective on human behaviour. Social learning theory emphasises the observation and imitation involved in acquiring new behaviours. Theories of development, such as Erikson's psychosocial stages, detail growth throughout the lifetime and tie together psychological change with social experience. Such approaches go a long way toward an understanding of complex human behaviour that no one perspective can offer.

Conclusion

In short, all psychological theories represent varied perspectives on human behaviour and mental processes, ranging from environmentally and conditioning-shaped behaviours, internal cognitive patterns, unconscious drives, and potential for personal growth to biological underpinnings. These theories will therefore enable the health and social care professional to tailor their approach appropriately and support individuals accordingly by taking into consideration the different dimensions of human psychology.

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