Introduction
I have studied ideas and concepts from many different areas of psychology in this psychology course. I now possess an eclectic, integrative map of the complexity of the human mind at my fingertips, ranging from the neurological correlates of consciousness investigated in biopsychology to the deeper depths of the subconscious self-examined by psychoanalysis. As I am ready to wrap up my exploration of new perspectives on individual and group psychology, I want to summarize the most important findings from six different fields: behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, transpersonal, psychoanalytic, and biopsychological theories. I will discuss how these methods of thinking may be realistically applied to my personal growth and development going ahead, outlining the major concepts in each approach.
Psychoanalytic/Psychodynamic Psychology
Psychoanalytic psychology focuses on how early events and the unconscious mind shape behavior and personality. The phases of psychosexual development, protective systems, and awareness levels are important ideas. Psychoanalytic concepts might help me comprehend some of my routines and emotional tendencies. Methods such as dream analysis, free association, and identifying “Freudian slips” may shed light on my subconscious desires. Examining potential symbolic meanings in my dreams, for instance, or letting myself speak honestly and without self-censorship may disclose beliefs, anxieties, or experiences that are impacting my present state of mind. I might develop personally from this self-reflection if I can face the parts of myself that I avoid or hide.
Behavioral Psychology
Behavior is taught by conditioning, which is the fundamental principle of behavioral psychology. The way that the environment and outside consequences influence behavior is the main emphasis of concepts such as reinforcement, punishment, and stimulus-response. I may encourage self-discipline and healthy behaviors by using behavioral strategies. Developing a “token economy” system, for example, in which I treat myself to goodies whenever I reach a goal or milestone. Observing how working next to the kitchen “reinforces” my habit of snacking often or carefully documenting my behaviors to pinpoint environmental triggers and trends. By progressively facing anxiety-inducing events, behavioral therapy, like exposure treatment, might also assist me in overcoming some of my phobias. Behavioral psychology, in general, offers useful techniques for examining and purposefully changing my daily behaviors.
Cognitive Psychology
The mental operations that modify behavior, such as perception, thought, memory, learning, and problem-solving are all involved in the research of cognitive psychology. Other notable concepts include stereotyping, shortcuts for forming an opinion, confirmation bias (in which one only looks at evidence that tends to support the idea), and algorithms causing cognitive biases. If I am conscious of these tendencies, then my capacity to analyze things can be strengthened. Tricks that have been shown to help increase retention include chunking, mnemonics, remembering knowledge in many different situations, and image-based methods. If I used these cognitive techniques at work and university, I could do more. Or when you exaggerate or talk about always and never, my labels may offer a more moderate view of such concepts. Another effective means is cognitive behavioral therapy, which looks for mistaken or exaggerated beliefs.
Humanistic Psychology
Unlike behaviorism and psychoanalysis, humanistic psychology believes that each person in nature is a good soul with the ability to become himself. The optimistic perspective is expressed in concepts like self-determination, creativity, positive regard, and peak experiences. Instead, applying humanistic principles strengthens individuals ‘agency; they are not just puppets of their surroundings and unconscious desires. Sincere honesty can be promoted through journaling; stressing one’s own merits will establish self-esteem. Through this, I can make success free from conformist criteria and define it myself in terms of what interests me and what suits my abilities. In general, humanistic psychology believes people are responsible for becoming the person they want to be (and not succumbing to the limitations put on them by their background or society).
Transpersonal Psychology
Transpersonal psychology emphasizes the study of consciousness and hidden aspects of human life, such as spirituality, mystical experience, and interrelation. Cosmic oneness, nonduality, and self-transcendence are ideas that fly in the face of egoic identity. Close examination of this aspect may well bring undiscovered creative, charitable, and compassionate abilities to the surface. It might even change my whole view of the world. In this way, staying in the present, one can see reality more directly without having to pass through the screen of conceptual thought. Examples include mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and float therapy. These websites can be found in dream journals, studies of psychedelic states, or sessions that push the boundaries of what is normal. Stretching into realms beyond the personal, I can touch an inner divination and a united awareness that carries meaning or purpose colored by something not just my own. But one must be careful about going beyond the skull.
Biopsychology
Biopsychology is the branch of psychology concerned with how human biology (e.g., hormones, neurochemistry, genetics, and brain anatomy) affects our emotions, thoughts, and behavior. Understanding these physiological processes enhances agency. In other words, neuroplasticity means that my everyday deeds and thoughts really change the nerve paths and functions in my brain. If my hormones don’t flood into my bloodstream, is all I can do when they do, or would it be better to step back and watch? When physiological functioning is improved, an individual can change their lifestyle. They are sleeping well, maintaining a dietary balance, exercising regularly, and learning to handle stress, which will enhance their determination and strength. If I don’t eat, and if I don’t stop to close my eyes for a while so they can rest, then my power of self-control is already weakened. Thus, the biopsychology principles create an environment for me to turn my physical body into top form to display my psychological potential.
Conclusion
A partial picture is presented when behaviorism seeks to turn humans into people of mechanical stimulus-response training. However, psychoanalysis accentuates even more the shadow aspects overlooked by humanism, which places emphasis only on conscious agency. A total understanding of all the partial truths for each field. By using an integrative framework, I am able to form each aspect of my functioning consciously: from changing my automated habits through behavioral techniques to smashing the thought ruts that hold me back with cognitive therapy, from the accomplishment of humanist and transpersonal branches of needs theory I have decided are beneficial for cultivating people by means of biological psychology. Understanding psychology better makes me more self-aware and consciously choose.
References
Arnautovska, U., Kesby, J. P., Korman, N., Rebar, A. L., Chapman, J., Warren, N., … & Siskind, D. (2022). Biopsychology of physical activity in people with schizophrenia: An integrative perspective on barriers and intervention strategies. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 2917-2926.
Rusu, M. (2019). The process of self-realization—From the humanist psychology perspective. Psychology, 10(8), 1095-1115.
Watkins Jr, C. E. (2023). Conviction, commonality/context, and culture in psychoanalytic/psychodynamic supervision: My perspective. Psychodynamic Practice, 29(1), 25-47.
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