Unit 0 Topic 0

Psychodynamic Perspective

The psychological perspective developed by Sigmund Freud that focuses on the unconscious mind and early childhood experiences.

Psychoanalytic Theory

The original name for the psychodynamic perspective, which emphasizes the role of unconscious processes and childhood experiences in shaping behavior and personality.

Free Association

A technique used by Freud where a word or image triggers another idea, word, or picture in the mind, allowing individuals to explore their unconscious thoughts.

Behavioral Perspective

An approach that focuses on observable behavior and the ways it can be learned or unlearned through interactions with the environment, developed as a rejection of the psychodynamic approach.

Behaviorism

The school of thought that believes psychology should be an objective science focusing solely on observable behaviors, discarding internal mental states.

Sociocultural Perspective

The perspective that emphasizes the influence of culture, social interactions, and societal factors in shaping individual behavior and mental processes.

Humanistic Perspective

An approach that emphasizes human potential, self-actualization, and personal growth, led by figures like Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow who focused on individual experiences and the inherent goodness of people.

Cognitive Perspective

The approach that focuses on how individuals interpret, process, and remember information, including the mental processes behind decision making, problem-solving, and perception.

Biological Perspective

The perspective that seeks to understand the links between biological processes, such as genetics and brain function, and psychological outcomes, including behavior and mental health.

Biopsychosocial Perspective

The perspective that integrates biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding behavior, acknowledging that mental health and illness stem from a combination of these influences.

Evolutionary Perspective

The perspective that examines how natural selection and adaptation influence behavior and mental processes, viewing psychological traits as evolved adaptations.

Self-Actualization

The motivation to reach one's full potential, a key concept in the humanistic perspective, which states that individuals strive for personal growth and fulfillment.

Observable Behaviors

Actions that can be seen, measured, and quantified, which are the primary focus of behavioral psychologists in understanding and modifying behavior.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A therapeutic approach that employs cognitive principles to modify maladaptive behaviors, integrating strategies to change thought patterns and behaviors.

Natural Selection

The process by which traits that enhance survival and reproduction are passed on to future generations, shaping the evolution of species and influencing psychological traits.

Fear Responses

Behaviors that have evolved as protective mechanisms against threats, the study of which falls within the evolutionary perspective, illustrating how certain responses are adaptive.