Five Approaches to Five Approaches to PsychologyPsychology

NeurobiologicalNeurobiological

• Karl Lashley (1890 – 1958)

• Studies the ways in which the brain and nervous system are involved in behavior.

• Looks to see if there is a genetic link or chemical imbalance that causes behavior.

• Looks to the body/mind to explain behavior.

• Medications will change behavior.

PsychoanalyticalPsychoanalytical

• Sigmund Freud (1856 – 1936)

• Studies how the unconscious mind influences behavior.

• Looks at how early childhood experiences and unresolved conflicts influence behavior.

• Unresolved conflicts show up in dreams, body language, and Freudian slips.

BehavioralBehavioral

• B.F. Skinner and John Watson (1878 – 1958)

• Our environment influences our behavior: parents, community, peers, etc.

• Our behavior stems from what we observe in our environment.

• We mimic, model, and imitate what we see.

• Our behavior is strengthened or weakened through positive or negative reinforcements.

CognitiveCognitive

• Jean Piaget (1895 – 1980)

• How we think, problem solve, and reason will influence our behavior.

• Our thought perception, attitude, reactions, and learning from mistakes also influence our behavior.

• These conscious choices and decisions guide our behavior.

HumanisticHumanistic

• Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow (1902 –1987)• Believe in free will when making choices and these

choices impact our behavior.• Our choices define who we are.• Believe we all strive for self-actualization and feeling

of self worth and this need motivates the choices we make.

• Believe we all want to grow and strive to become the best we can but our choices sometimes prevent that.

PracticePractice• Divide into six groups of five (number off).

• Within your group, number off one through five. Mr. Kelley will tell you which number will take which perspective.

• Divide again according to the new number and discuss the disorder according to your perspective.

• Once you are an “expert” on the disorder and perspective, return to your group and explain.

Neurobiological Chemical imbalance.

Hereditary.

Psychoanalytical Mom and dad workaholics – never home, raised by nanny. Given everything in life. Depressed adult.

Behavioral Get attention when depressed (+ reinforcement). Event occurs: divorce.

Cognitive Focus on depressing things (- thoughts). I can’t do anything, I fail.

Humanist Hard on self – negative.

Parents high expectations – good when I achieve, bad when I don’t.

Depression

Neurobiological Genetics, addictive personality/body needs it to function

Psychoanalytical Alcohol masks their feelings from a childhood conflict so they don’t have to feel anything.

Behavioral Peers drink and encourage them. Parents ok with drinking...reinforcement is good.

Cognitive Tough week…I want a drink.

It’s a celebration…I want a drink.

Humanist I feel better about myself when I drink b/c I am more fun/social. It gives me confidence.

Alcoholism

Neurobiological Hypothalamus connection

Psychoanalytical Parents domineering, let kids make no decisions. Kid may use eating food as control.

Behavioral Friends dieting, exercising, etc.

See it in the media – thin is good.

Cognitive Society says we should look a certain way. People mock my appearance, so I choose to do something about it.

Humanist I feel like no one likes me b/c of my weight. I have no confidence b/c of my weight.

Eating Disorder

Neurobiological No biological ties.

Psychoanalytical Didn’t get attention as a kid, led to a need for attention. Parents too controlling – way to get freedom.

Behavioral Friends are rebellious – fit in.

It’s the only time my parents gave me attention.

Cognitive Trying to figure out who I am.

Humanist I feel good about myself when I rebel. It gives me a sense of power. I like myself when I act out.

Rebellious

Neurobiological ?

Psychoanalytical Had good experience in school as a kid, want to recreate that experience throughout life…may never get it.

Behavioral Peer group may be high achievers.

+ reinforcement when I knock myself out, - reinforcement when I don’t.

Cognitive Trying to be the very best I can be.

Humanist I feel good about myself when I excel. It gives me a sense of control. I like myself when I do well.

Overachiever

Neurobiological ?

Psychoanalytical Had good experience in school as a kid, want to recreate that experience throughout life…may never get it.

Behavioral Peer group may be high achievers.

+ reinforcement when I knock myself out, - reinforcement when I don’t.

Cognitive Trying to be the very best I can be.

Humanist I feel good about myself when I excel. It gives me a sense of control. I like myself when I do well.