PSYC 4100 Assessment 3: How Major Psychological Thought Informs Professional Behavior How Major Psychological Thought Informs Professional Behavior

 

Behaviorism, as a major school of psychological thought, has greatly influenced professional behavior, particularly in the realm of therapy, education, and supervision (Brau et al., 2020). In the scenario of a therapist working with teenagers, understanding behaviorism is crucial for effectively addressing adolescent issues. Behaviorism emphasizes observable behaviors and the environmental factors that influence them, rejecting introspection and focusing on measurable outcomes. For a therapist working with teenagers, this means employing techniques such as operant conditioning and behavior modification to address maladaptive behaviors and reinforce positive ones. By understanding how behaviors are learned and maintained, therapists can tailor interventions to suit the specific needs of teenagers, helping them overcome challenges and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Furthermore, the development of behaviorism has been shaped by various factors, including major events, other schools of thought, and cultural influences. Behaviorism emerged as a reaction to the limitations of introspection and the desire for a more scientific approach to psychology. Prominent individuals like John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner led the way in establishing the fundamentals of behaviorism, concentrating on visible actions and the impact of reinforcement on their formation. Additionally, behaviorism has been influenced by cognitive psychology, which emphasizes mental processes such as perception and memory (Kirby et al., 2022). This integration of cognitive principles has led to the development of cognitive-behavioral therapies, which are widely used in treating adolescent mental health issues. Cultural influences have also shaped behaviorism, with societal norms and values impacting the reinforcement patterns and behavioral expectations experienced by teenagers. By considering these factors, therapists can better understand and address the unique challenges faced by teenagers in today’s diverse society.

Events Affecting the Development of School Thought

The Rise of Behaviorism

During the early 1900s, behaviorism arose as a notable psychological perspective, primarily as a reaction against introspective methods dominating the field at the time (Selisker, 2020). Key figures such as John B. Watson and later B.F. Skinner laid the foundations of behaviorism by emphasizing observable behaviors and the influence of environmental factors on behavior.

Pavlov’s Classical Conditioning

Ivan Pavlov’s studies on classical conditioning offered empirical support for the concept that behaviors could be acquired through connections with environmental stimuli (Akpan, 2020). His research prompted behaviorists to emphasize the significance of stimuli and responses in molding behavior, leading to the development of behavior modification techniques used in therapy and education.

Skinner’s Operant Conditioning

B.F. Skinner’s work on conditioning through reinforcement or punishment.further advanced behaviorism by demonstrating how behaviors could be shaped through reinforcement and punishment (Bąbel, 2020). His experiments with rats and pigeons showed that behaviors could be modified by manipulating consequences, laying the groundwork for applied behavior analysis and behavioral interventions.

Cognitive Revolution and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

The cognitive revolution in psychology, which gained momentum in the 1950s and 1960s, challenged the strict behaviorist view of human behavior by emphasizing the role of mental processes (Blackwell & Heidenreich, 2021). This shift led to the evolution of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), blending behaviorist principles with cognitive strategies, offering a comprehensive approach for effectively managing various psychological concerns.

Contemporary Applications in Technology

In the modern era, behaviorism continues to influence professional behavior through its application in fields such as technology and marketing. Concepts like operant conditioning are utilized in designing user interfaces, gamification strategies, and advertising campaigns aimed at modifying consumer behavior and fostering engagement..

Impact of Other Schools of Thought

Gestalt Psychology

Gestalt psychology is a way of understanding how people perceive the world around them. It focuses on the idea that we don’t just see individual parts of things, but we see the whole picture (Metwally, 2021). Developed by psychologists like Max Wertheimer and Wolfgang Köhler, Gestalt psychology says that our brains naturally organize what we see into meaningful patterns. For example, when we look at a group o