FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY PPT 1

UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

• Presented by: Pallavi Rao, Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Science, Kristu Jayanti College, Bengaluru.

CONTENTS

1. Introduction, Definition, and Goals of Psychology

2. Originating Schools of Psychology

3. Current Psychological Perspectives

   • Biological

   • Psychodynamic

   • Behavioristic

   • Humanistic

   • Cognitive

   • Cultural

PSYCHOLOGY DEFINITIONS

• Psychology: The science of behavior and cognitive processes.

  • Behavior: Observable actions or reactions of living organisms.

  • Cognitive Processes: Aspects of mental life including thoughts, memories, reasoning, and decision making.

GOALS OF PSYCHOLOGY

1. Describe: Systematic observation and detailing of behaviors and mental processes.

   • Example: Documenting depression symptoms to identify patterns.

2. Explain: Understanding the reasons behind observed behaviors.

   • Example: Investigating the effects of stress reactions.

3. Predict: Forecasting future behaviors based on current knowledge.

   • Example: Anticipating a child's behavior under different parenting styles.

4. Control (Influence): Guiding or managing behaviors to enhance well-being.

   • Example: Developing techniques to reduce anxiety.

SCHOOLS OF PSYCHOLOGY

• Wilhelm Wundt: Founded the first psychology lab in 1879, often called the 'father of experimental psychology.'

• Structuralism: Analyzing the contents of consciousness through introspection.

• Functionalism: Focused on the functions of consciousness influenced by Darwin’s theory of natural selection.

• Behaviorism: Developed by John B. Watson; emphasizes observable behavior over consciousness.

PSYCHODYNAMIC APPROACH

• Focuses on unconscious processes and childhood experiences affecting behavior.

• Founded by Sigmund Freud: suggested most of the mind is unconscious and can influence behavior.

STRUCTURE OF PERSONALITY (Freud)

1. Id: Primitive urges seeking immediate gratification.

2. Ego: Realistic mediator between the id and reality, operates on the reality principle.

3. Superego: Moral standards internalized from parents and society, controlling impulses based on right and wrong.

ANXIETY & DEFENSE MECHANISMS

• Anxiety: A response to unacceptable id impulses nearing consciousness.

• Defense Mechanisms: Strategies to keep unacceptable impulses unconscious, including:

  • Repression: Forgetting unacceptable thoughts.

  • Rationalization: Justifying unacceptable motives.

  • Displacement: Redirecting emotional responses.

  • Projection: Transferring feelings onto others.

  • Regression: Returning to earlier developmental stages when under stress.

PSYCHOSEXUAL STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT (Freud)

1. Oral Stage (0-1.5 years): Pleasure from mouth activities.

2. Anal Stage (1.5-3 years): Pleasure from toilet training.

3. Phallic Stage (3-6 years): Oedipus and Electra complexes; realization of gender differences.

4. Latency Stage (6-11 years): Sexual urges dormant, focus shifts to social and intellectual skills.

5. Genital Stage (11-adult): Mature sexual relationships emerge.

IMPORTANT NOTES

• Fixation at any stage can lead to personality issues in adulthood.

• The development through each stage is crucial for emotional health.

CONCLUSION

• Understanding psychology's core concepts, goals, and historical context enhances comprehension of human behavior and mental processes.