Psychology perspectives/schools of thought

Positive Psycology

A branch that focuses on the traits and behavior that contribute to cultivating happiness and satisfaction. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Positive mindset→increased lifespan. Similar to humanistic, but focuses on physical health

Behavioral Perpective (Operant Conditioning)

More easily influence people through positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement can prevent/change habits. Process that leads through consequences. Approach that explains through learning and environmental influence (punish/reward). This behavior is voluntary

Behavioral Perspective (Classical Conditioning)

Study of measurable and observable behavior. When an involuntary response is elicited because of a repeated outside stimulus. Involuntary Behavior. 

Gestalt Psychology

focus on how the mind perceives patterns over individual components, perception, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts

Socio-Cultural Perspective

Social and cultural factors (class, culture, religion, etc) plays a role in how people form identities and behavior. “Social Norms” unwritten rules that govern society. influence person’s career and education

Psychodynamic/ Psychoanalytic

The unconscious processing of emotions that can influence behavior and personality, mostly defined by childhood. Focus on negative/emotion.

Humanistic

Normal behavior, emphasized how everyone has goodness within them from birth/free will and emphazise the desire and ability to reach “the best possible version” of themselves where they are fulfilled. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. “the self”

Cognitive

Focus on how mental processes, such as perception, memory, thinking, affects behavior.

Evolutionary

Explains human thoughts and behavior when it comes to natural selection, focus on the mate’s traits that can be passed down, and choice of mate. Heterosexual reproduction. Adaptation, reproduction, survival of fittest.

Biological Perspective

Views psychological issues through a physical lense. Biology. The body’s affect of behavior/personality