Introduction
Since time immemorial, scientists have been studying how the human mind works to explain why humans behave the way they do. This branch of science is called psychology, and it is primarily concerned with the scientific study of the human mind and its impact on our behavior through observation and testing to arrive at sound conclusions. Over time, psychological principles, which comprise theories and beliefs, have been developed to explain human behavior, such as cognition, intelligence, emotions, social groups, and culture. Applying psychological principles in everyday life resolves behavioral and communication issues within groups or communities.
Impact of psychological principles on the study of the behavior of individuals and groups.
One of the critical issues of study in psychology is the factors that influence behavior change in individuals and groups. Psychologists apply psychological principles to catalyze change in behavior in various fields such as sales, health, safety, military, and politics. West et al. (2020), in elaborating the psychological principle of (COM-B) propose that a behavior arises when a person is capable of acting in a particular way and when there is an opportunity and Motivation to act that way. Further, the Prime theory of Motivation posits that we act in a particular way to pursue what we need and want at that moment (West et al., 2020). Bearing these psychological principles in mind, we can understand what influences an individual or group to act in a particular way by considering their capabilities, opportunities, and Motivation.
Parameters of behavioral deviance and its various therapies.
Deviant behavior could either be formal deviance, which involves committing crimes in breach of the law such as murder, and informal deviance, which violates social norms, such as committing suicide, taking drugs and alcohol, and bullying (Elov & Berdiyeva, 2022, p. 1004). Informal deviance is more prevalent in the population, especially among the youth, than formal. It is caused by peer pressure, low self-esteem, or abuse in the home, which causes them to engage in these self-destructive behaviors as a coping mechanism (Elov & Berdiyeva, 2022, p. 1007). To counter the deviant behavior, therapies such as art therapy, counseling, rehabilitation, and confining the deviants in psychiatric hospitals could be used.
Impact of Psychological Principles in studying individual differences.
Psychology recognizes that every human possesses unique capabilities and that we are all different in our ways. As stipulated by the COM-B model, each person possesses a capability that when given an opportunity and there is a motive behind the action, they tend to act in a particular way. Besides, we pursue what we mostly want (West et al., 2020). As a result, people have different motivations, which makes them behave differently. Not only that, we possess different abilities and talents, and therefore, when an opportunity presents itself, different individuals will act differently in the given circumstances.
Role of Psychology in various fields.
The essential role of psychology is to formulate practical and effective solutions to a given problem, and it is therefore applicable in various fields. For instance, in industries and complex organizations, psychology studies how the minds of the employees function and why they behave in a particular manner to keep them motivated and satisfied and improve communication amongst themselves, ensuring sustainable organizational performance and low turnover rates. In the legal field, psychology plays a vital role in assessing the effectiveness of a given law and advising how vulnerable groups such as children should be handled by the courts to maintain an efficient justice system. Similarly, in the education field, psychology is applied to identifying cognitive abilities in different students and how to handle them best.
Conclusion
Psychological principles are essential in understanding human behavior and how the mind works. They are also crucial in understanding and appreciating individual differences, which enhances cooperation and a peaceful co-existence among people. These attributes make them applicable in various fields, such as medicine, organizations, law, education, and the military. Psychology, therefore, facilitates the resolution of problems in society.
References
Elov, Z. S., & Berdiyeva, D. S. (2022). Psychological reasons for suicide motivation in adolescents with deviant behavior. Oriental Renaissance: Innovative, educational, natural and social sciences, 2(2), 1003-1009. https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/psychological-reasons-for-suicide-motivation-in-adolescents-with-deviant-behavior
West, R., Michie, S., Rubin, G. J., & Amlôt, R. (2020). Applying principles of behavior change to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Nature Human Behaviour, 4(5), 451-459. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-020-0887-9
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