Psychology: Focuses and Applications of Major Theoretical Perspectives

biological focuses

brain chemistry, genetics, hormones, and medical conditions

biological application

- medical condition

- biological intervention

behavioral focus

learned behaviors, reinforcement, punishment, and observational learning

behavioral application

- reinforced for self-sacrifice and caregiving

- lack of positive reinforcement for self-care

- constant reinforcement for selflessness

cognitive focus

thought patterns, beliefs, and interpretations of the world

cognitive application

- distorted thinking

- negative, irrational beliefs

psychodynamic focus

unconscious conflicts, traumatic childhood experiences, unresolved emotions

psychodynamic application

- early life

- unresolved dependency/loss conflicts

- unconscious guilt and self-hatred

humanistic focus

self-concept, personal growth, unmet needs, striving for potential

humanistic application

- struggling with self-concept

- sacrificing personal identity for others

- loss of self-worth and purpose

sociocultural focus

social, cultural, and family expectations, and environment

sociocultural application

- religious and cultural expectations

- isolation

- no community support

- stigma around mental illness

evolutionary focus

survival, reproduction, and patterns in human history

evolutionary application

- evolutionary instincts

- survival instincts