CompanyResearch shows that nearly 75% of human behaviours can be influenced by learning experiences, highlighting the importance of these theories in action. It also indicates that the brain's chemistry plays a meaningful role in shaping an individual's personality. From Freud's exploration of the unconscious to Bandura's findings on observational learning. These concepts will allow researchers and practitioners to apply science-based methods to education and personal development. In this guide, you will understand what is a psychological theory is and its key terms.
What Are Psychological Theories?
Psychological theories are structured explanations that describe phenomena to understand human behaviour. They provide a framework which is backed by evidence, where theories cover different aspects of human experiences. A key feature of psychological theory is that it must offer insights into how that behaviour might change under different circumstances. The word "theory" is often used casually in everyday conversation, but in psychology, it refers to a well-researched concept that can be tested.
7 Major Psychological Theories
The field of psychology is built on several foundational theories that explain how people behave naturally. There are seven major psychological theories that explain their behaviours according to their past experiences. These approaches helped to shape modern psychological research so that you can understand how the human mind functions. Below you see the in-depth information related to these theories:
1. Psychoanalytic Theory (Sigmund Freud)
Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic concept focuses on how unconscious states of mind affect behaviour. In Freud's view, many of our emotions, actions, and thoughts are influenced by early childhood experiences as well as buried wants and unresolved conflicts. Freud also discussed the components of the personality: the id (instinctual drives), the ego (rational decision maker), and the superego (moral standards) and their interaction. An example of Freud's theory includes an adult being unable to avoid the fear of failure in their adult life that has its origins in unconscious experiences as a child.
2. Behaviourism (B.F. Skinner, John Watson)
Behaviourism focuses on observable behaviours rather than internal mental states of human beings. Pioneers like John Watson and B.F. Skinner argued that people learn primarily through their environment via rewards and punishments. However, positive reinforcement strengthens behaviour by providing a reward, while negative reinforcement strengthens behaviour by removing an unpleasant stimulus. For example, a student who studies actively and receives praise from the elders is more likely to continue studying. Behaviourism is applied in education, parenting, and therapy due to its practical focus on shaping behaviour.
3. Cognitive Theory (Jean Piaget, Aaron Beck)
Cognitive theory examines how mental processes like thinking, learning, and problem-solving happen. Jean Piaget researched how children made meaning using stages of development, which highlighted that thinking develops as the brain matures. Aaron Beck operationalised cognitive theories into mental health, with it being foregrounded in how negative thoughts can lead to emotional difficulties, for example, anxiety or depression. Cognitive theory emphasises that our thoughts are at the centre of our understanding of behaviour, as they are, and what we think influences our emotions and actions in everyday life.
4. Humanistic Theory (Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers)
Humanistic psychology emphasises the importance of personal growth, self-worth, and the search for meaning in life. In the 1940s, Abraham Maslow developed his well-known hierarchy of needs to show that humans are first motivated to satisfy their most basic needs, and then they are motivated by higher-level needs such as self-actualisation, the realisation of one's potential. Carl Rogers explored the importance of empathy, unconditional positive regard, and supportive situations in personal development.
5. Social Learning Theory (Albert Bandura)
According to Albert Bandura's social learning theory, people learn specific behaviours by observing other people. When a role model demonstrates a behaviour and models the consequences, it guides observers' actions. Bandura also introduced the concept of self-efficacy, which shows the judgement of one's behaviour. It is an influential factor in motivation and performance. Social learning theory effectively combines principles from behaviourism and cognitive psychology and demonstrates both environmental and cognitive aspects of learning.
6. Evolutionary Psychology (Charles Darwin)
Evolutionary psychology examines how manners may have evolved to address survival and reproductive challenges. It considers features that may have helped humans to adapt over time, such as social cooperation, fear responses, and partner choice. For example, a natural tendency to avoid risk could have enhanced early humans' survival chances. This approach provides a long-term biological perspective on behaviour that explains patterns which may seem universal across cultures.
7. Biological Theory
Biological psychology emphasises the role of the brain, nervous system, hormones, and genetics in shaping behaviour. It describes how physiological functions influence thoughts, emotions, and actions. For example, chemical imbalances can contribute to mental health disorders in humans, while genetic predispositions may influence traits like temperament or intelligence. This theory highlights the inextricable link between biology and behaviour, underlining the scientific basis of psychological study.
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Download App Now Scan meKey Terms Related to Psychological Theories
When learning about psychological theories, specific key terms come up that describe how the mind works. These terms act as building blocks for understanding central ideas across different perspectives. If you are a student, you can prepare a project work on this topic; for that, you can seek help from an assignment writing service. Now, let's break down these concepts to see how psychologists explain human actions:-
Conscious vs. Unconscious
A conscious mind is everything you are aware of at a given moment, where you analyse your thoughts and feelings. The unconscious mind is like a hidden backstage area where you do not have the idea of what is happening to you. It stores memories and motivations that influence your behaviour without your realising it.
Reinforcement
The term 'reinforcements' is about learning through some tragic experiences of your life. However, positive reinforcement gives you a reward for your behaviour by praising you or giving you a treat. Negative reinforcement removes something unpleasant when you perform behaviour, which also encourages repetition.
Self-Actualization
Self-actualisation is about becoming your best version because it is the journey toward personal growth, where you realise your potential. People who are self-actualised tend to be creative, independent, and comfortable with who they are. This concept is a cornerstone of humanistic psychology, which emphasises personal choice and fulfilment.
Operant Conditioning
Operant conditioning is learning which is done through trial and error, which is shaped by rewards or punishments. Also, behaviours are followed by positive outcomes when they are repeated, while behaviours are followed by adverse outcomes when they are avoided. It is a practical way to learn how these habits can form and alter over time.
Cognitive Dissonance
This phrase defines the mental distress you feel when your actions clash with your beliefs. For example, if you care about nature but drive a high-fuel-consumption car, that can make you feel embarrassed. However, people are motivated to reduce this discomfort by changing their behaviours.
Closing Insights
In summary, exploring these psychological theories gives us a deeper appreciation of many factors that shape human behaviour. After understanding what psychological theory is, you have learnt about behaviour. However, together these ideas offer a clearer picture of human nature and provide practical insights we can apply to learning and personal growth. This cognitive research confirms that thoughts shape emotions, while humanistic approaches reveal that self-actualisation improves well-being.
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