Social Learning Theory: We learn by observing others’ behaviors and outcomes and imitating them.
Key Principle: "Do as I say, not as I do" is often ineffective; setting a positive example is crucial.
Transition from Behaviorism to Cognition
Shift in Focus: Earlier approaches focused primarily on observable behaviors, but there's now a recognition of cognitive processes.
Importance of Cognitive Processes: Attitudes and thoughts also play significant roles in behavior.
Walter Mischel and Situationism
Key Figure: Walter Mischel challenged trait theories (e.g., Big Five), emphasizing that behavior is context-dependent.
Situationism: The idea that behavior varies with the situation, opposing stable personality traits promoted by trait theorists.
Cognitive-Affective Personality System (CAPS): Mischel proposed that behavior results from interactions between situational factors and cognitive-affective units (thoughts, feelings).
Example: Conflicts with a friend vs. a boss lead to different behaviors.
Understanding Learning-Based Approaches
Learning-Based Approach: Emphasizes the impact of both behavior and cognitive processes within specific contexts; some theories prioritize behavior, while others prioritize cognition.
Therapeutic Applications: Learning-based approaches can have application in therapy, identifying fears, and behavior changes.
Phobia Treatment Techniques
Flooding: Immediate, intense exposure to the fear-inducing stimulus (e.g., holding a spider).
Systematic Desensitization: Gradual exposure to the fear stimulus to reduce anxiety, starting with less threatening scenarios (e.g., looking at pictures of spiders).
More effective and widely applicable than flooding.
Strengths and Limitations of Learning-Based Approaches
Strengths: Established as objective science and observable outcomes; therapeutic applications (like systematic desensitization).
Limitations: Not all individuals respond equally to these approaches; therapy may not be suitable for all conditions.
Humanistic Psychology
Definition: Focuses on personal subjective experiences and the innate drive to self-actualize.
Carl Rogers: Key psychologist who emphasized the importance of self-awareness and the individual's perception of reality.
Core Concepts of Humanistic Psychology
Free Will and Responsibility: Emphasizes the human capacity for self-awareness, self-determination, and the importance of making individual choices.
Phenomenology: Study of experiences as they are perceived and interpreted by individuals.
Humanists argue that life is not dictated by deterministic biological or unconscious processes.
Innate Goodness: Humanists view people as inherently good and aspiring for improvement.
Therapeutic Techniques**
Person-Centered Therapy: Emphasizes unconditional positive regard from the therapist, fostering an environment of acceptance and empathy.
Self-Actualization: Striving to reach one's full potential; individual definitions of potential can vary significantly.
Discrepancy between Actual Self and Ideal Self: Tension between how one perceives themselves (actual) and how they aspire to be (ideal) can lead to anxiety and distress.
Existentialism Influences in Humanistic Psychology
Existential Framework: Argues that humans are "thrown" into existence without predetermined purposes, leading to existential angst.
Prominent theorists: Heidegger and Sartre emphasized authenticity and freedom in creating meaning in life.
Authenticity and Choice: The notion that people must make their own choices and take responsibility for their existence, which can lead to anxiety if not properly navigated.
Conclusion**
Humanistic and existentialist approaches underscore the uniqueness of each individual's experience and the role of personal agency in shaping life’s journey.
Emphasizes a journey towards meaningful existence through conscious personal decisions supported by therapeutic practices.