MAJOR PSYCHOLOGICAL THEORIES

POOJANI UWINDYA INDUWARI

Benedict XVI Catholic Institute Negombo

2024
 CONTENT

Introduction

Types of psychological theories

Comparison of therapy types

Behaviorism

Types of behaviorism

Classical & Operant conditioning

Benefits of behavioral theory

Cognitive-behavioral therapy model

Five factor model

Implications to psychology

References

1
 INTRODUCTION

Understanding of psychological theories.

What are psychological theories?

Psychological theories help us to understand our thoughts, behaviors and

interpersonal

relationships. Psychologists developed these theories to provide a systematic

way of

analyzing the complexities of human mind and behavior. By using these

theories they can

create treatments to help people live more effectively.

1
 Types of psychological theories

Grand, mini, developmental and emergent are some are some main types of
psychological

theories.

Grand theories

Virtually all aspects of human behavior are explained by this type of

psychological theories.

Examples of grand theories:-

1.Behaviorism

This favors the observable, knowable impacts of behavior. “Behaviorism is

a

doctrine’’. Behaviorism is a way of looking at the human mind and

explaining

motivation, behavior and psychological study through the lens of human

actions. (team, 2024)

2.Psychodynamic theory

It is originated from the work of Freud. This offers a detailed account of the
complex interactions within the human psyche that contribute to
psychological disorders. The psychodynamic perspective is in the belief that
past traumatic experiences play a significant role in adjusting present
behavior. It shows that much of our mental life is unconscious and our
behavior and feelings as grownups are deep rooted in our early years
experiences. (Main, 2023)

2
3. Humanistic theory

This examines the “whole person “taking into understanding all aspects of
human existence and uniqueness’s of all. Abraham Harold Maslow has made
a major contribution to this. His theory is also called the Theory of
Hierarchical Needs and it’s often shows as a pyramid of five distinct levels.
They are psychological needs, safety needs, belongingness needs, esteem
needs, self-actualization. But his revised model includes levels of cognitive
needs, aesthetic needs, transcendence needs. (education)

4. Cognitive theory

This theory is about the process which happens in our minds. Examples of
these processes are memory, perception and attention. Currently cognitive
behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most generally used therapy to help people
defeat their challenges. It shows that our feelings, thoughts and behavior are
all allied. Its aim is to change are negative thinking patterns. (Abou-Hilal,
2021)

5. Bio psychological theory

Mini theories

These theories may focus on areas such as motivation, emotion or

personality.

Examples: - Cognitive dissonance theory

Information processing theory

Social learning theory

Attachment theory

Self – efficacy theory

3
Developmental theory

These theories show how people change and grow as they age.

Examples: - Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development

Attachment styles

Emergent theories

These incorporate new ideas and concepts, often drawing on disparate

information from other disciplines.

Examples: - Intersectionality theory

Social identify theory

Positive psychology

Cross – cultural psychology

(Cherry, 2021)

4
 COMPARISON OF THERAPY TYPES

Types of therapies Core beliefs and Most useful for

therapeutic
approach
Cognitive behavioral Identifying harmful Anxiety
therapy patterns and beliefs Mood disorders
which impacts Eating disorders
negatively Insomnia
Psychodynamic therapy Exploring thought Depression
patterns, emotions and Anxiety
relationships to identify Eating disorders
the connection Substance use disorder
between subconscious
mind and actions.
Humanistic therapy Observing how the Effects of traumas
world view of Depression
individuals affects the Relationship issues
choices and how they Feeling of
can develop true self- worthlessness

5
 acceptance. Self-esteem issue

(marcin, 2023)

BEHAVIORISM

Who first came up with behaviorism?

An American psychologist named John B. Watson, who was born in 1898, is

considered the “father” of behaviorism. He studied animal behavior and child
development and was famous for conducting “Little Albert” experiment. His
work is still taught to psychological students but some argue that it should
be rethought.

What is behaviorism?

The behavioral learning theory defines observable and measurable laws that
explain human behavior. Understanding this theory can help understand how
people learn and how you can interact with clients better. Classical
behaviorism is focused on observable behavioral outputs, following that each
behavior is carried out as a response to environmental stimulation. Any task
or behavior can be modified with the appropriate conditioning, regardless of
individual thinking patterns.

6
Behaviorism was most dominant in first half of the twentieth century. Modern
psychology tends to privilege the inner landscape of emotions and thought.
Behavioral therapy techniques can help with developing new skills, and
rewarding desired behavior. The theory of behaviorism has a strong impact
on everything from animal training to parenting methods to teaching
qualities.

Behavior can be studied in a systematic way visible manner regardless of

internal mental states. Behavioral theory also shows that only observable
behavior should be analyzed as cognitive, emotions and mood are far too
subjective.

Any person with regardless genetic background, personality traits and

internal thoughts can be trained to perform any task with the limitations of
their physical abilities.

TYPES OF BEHAVIORISM

The following two main types of behaviorism are used to describe how
behaviorism is formed.

Methodological behaviorism

Methodological behavior shows that observable behavior should be analyzed

psychologically and the mental states and cognitive procedures don’t add to
the understanding of behavior. Methodological behaviorism aligns with
Watson’s ideologies and approach.

Radical behaviorism

7
Radical behaviorism is in the theory that behavior can be analyzed by
looking at an individual’s past and present environment and the supports
within it by influencing behavior positively or negatively. This behavioral
approach was made by the psychologist B.F. Skinner.

CLASSICAL CONDITIONING

Classical conditioning is a method that commonly used in behavioral training

in which a neutral stimulation is paired with naturally deriving stimulations.
Throughout the course of three individual phases of classical conditioning,
the associated stimulations get known as the conditions stimulus and the
studied behavior is known as the conditioned response.

OPERANT CONDITIONING

8
Operant conditioning referred to as instrumental conditioning is a form of
learning that arises through reinforcement and punishment. Through operant
conditioning an association is made in between a behavior and a
consequence.

It says that when a desired solution follows an action, the behavior becomes
more likely to happen again.

(Cherry, what is behviorism?, 2022)

Benefits of the behavioral theory

The following are some advantages of using behaviorism.

 It usually has clear objectives, letting the learner to aim on a specific

goal.
 It helps people prepare for highly specified professions by boosting
good behaviors and making them react in consistent ways for
conditions.

9
  Approaches to this theory are normally easy to perform.
 People can borrow them naturally.
 Can directly measure its success by examining the patterns in the
learner’s behavior.

(team I. e., 2024)

Can behavioral be useful during therapy?

Many modern therapies like behavior therapy relies on behaviourist

techniques. Behavioral therapy make use of positive and negative results to
modify a child’s behavior. It has been effective for developmental disorders
like ADHD.

(Behaviorism)

WHAT IS COGNITIVE BEHAVIORISM?

Cognitive behaviorism operates on the belief that behavior is impacted by

thoughts and emotions. CBT for instance, attempts to change negative
behaviors by changing the deadly thought pattern behind them.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is based on the cognitive-behavioral

theory. It has the principles from both behavioral theory and
cognitive theory. CBT blends these theories both cognitive
deformity and harmful behaviors.

(what is cbt)

COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY MODEL

Cognition

10
Cognition refers quite simple to thinking. It is the mental action or process
which understands through thoughts, experiences and the senses .
(Cognition)

Behavior

Behavior is exploring and discovering the reasons for the things we do.
It is a fundamental aspect of human and animal life. (team N. , 2023)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a talking therapy. This can help to manage

problems by changing the way of thinking and behaving. Cognitive
behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy. CBT can also help manage
non psychological health conditions. Such as chronic pain and insomnia. Its
most commonly used to treat depression and anxiety.

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive behavior therapy is an effective treatment for a range of mental

and emotional health issues. Psychologists, counselors and therapists use
this to manage mental health and emotional conditions. This is one of the
best studied forms of psychotherapy. Unlike some other talking treatments
CBT deals with current problems, rather than focusing on issues from past.
This aims to show that how the thinking affects the mood.

CBT addresses the here and now.

 CBT is supportive
 Well researched
 Present focused
 Brief
 Active
 Goal oriented (what is cognitive behavioral therapy )

11
CBT is based on Dr. Aaron T. Beck’s Cognitive model that a situation is more
closely connected to the reaction than the situation itself. CBT helps
individuals to get better and stay well.

How does CBT works?

CBT is based on the cognitive model. Thoughts of a person influence their

behavioral, emotional and psychological reactions to the things that happen
in their lives. When people suffer from mental health illnesses such as
depression they feel negative on themselves, their future and the world. This
route them into unhelpful patterns in their lives daily. These thoughts in turn
routes to unhelpful reactions, creating a reaction loop that can continuously
stress negative beliefs.

CBT can interrupt that reaction loop by helping to think about situations in
lives in more helpful ways. CTB therapists eventually teach clients to
analyze their thoughts on their own, outside of the sessions.

HOW CBT HELPS

CBT helps individuals with many mental health conditions to improve their
lives and achieve their goals. But individuals don’t do this alone. One of the
most important features of CBT is the relationship between of a client and
their therapist. This is often called the therapeutic relationship. This
relationship must be strong enough for treatment to work.

Therapists work with each of their clients to set goals and to chart progress
towards the goals. They should also create what is called “conceptualization
“for each client. Conceptualization helps them to determine an individualized
treatment plan for each one. (Cognitive behavior therapy)

POPULAR CBT TECHNIQUES

CBT involves the use of many varied techniques. Therapists work with their
clients to find out the ones that work best for them.

12
Typical treatments often involve these:

 Learning how misleading thoughts can worse problems

 Learning new problem-solving skills
 Learning how to face challenges and fears
 Using role play and calming techniques on challenging situations
 Learning how to be confident and how to understand better
 Learning to accept and appreciate yourself

The aim of these techniques is to replace self-defeating thoughts with more

encouraging ones.

.Here are some of the most popular techniques that therapists use to help
clients feel better, manage stress, improve their relationships, manage
symptoms and maintain their progress.

 Making decisions
 Solving problems
 Learning mindfulness skills
 Tolerating distress
 Tolerating relaxation
 Recognizing negative thoughts
 Scheduling pleasurable activities
 Doing self-therapy
 Identifying values and aspirations

.SPECIFIC CONDITIONS CBT CAN HELP WITH

 Anxiety
 Depression
 Eating disorders
 Substance use disorder
 PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder)

13
  Personality disorders
 Schizophrenia
 Bipolar disorder
 Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

But there’s no need of having a specific mental health condition to benefit

from CBT. It can also help with,

 Grief of loss
 Relationship difficulties
 Chronic pain
 Low self-esteem
 Insomnia
 Breakup or divorce
 General life stress
(marcin, 2023)

KEY BENEFITS OF CBT

 The overall course of therapy is short.

 CBT may be more affordable than the other options.
 CBT has long term results.
 Sessions are flexible and offered in several formats.
 Skills learned in therapy can be applied directly into daily life.
 CBT can be used with or without medication.

CBT can be helpful but,

 It’s not a cure

 Results take time
 It can be challenging
 It does not work for everyone

14
 FIVE FACTOR MODEL

SITUATION

INTERVENTION:

Cognitive restructuring THOUGHTS / COGNITIONS

PHYSICAL
EMOTIONS
REACTIONS/SYMPTOMS

INTERVENTION:

Relaxation training

BEHAVIORS

INTERVENTION:

Coping skills and exposure

15
 IMPLICATIONS OF CBT TO PSYCHOLOGY

Case 01: GAD

Canthi a 45 year old bank manager, experiences chronic worries about

various aspects of life. Including health, work and finances. She finds difficult
to relax and often feels tense.

SITUATION: Kanthi is a bank manager and a mother of two teenagers and an

infant. She has a nanny to take care of her baby when she’s at work but her
husband is mad at her for not staying at home and taking care of the baby,
so they fight a lot often. She is so stressed at work and even dislikes going
home after work.

THOUGHTS: things will never get better

What if I’m not a good mom?

EMOTIONS: hate, frustrated, nervous, helpless, annoyed

SYMPTOMS: dark circles, hair loss, fatigue

BEHAVIOUR: can’t sleep, eating too much, crying always

SELF CORE BELIEFS: I’m not a good mom

I even can’t take care of my family well

I’m so selfish for not staying at home

WORLD CORE BELIEFS: No one understands me

They don’t love me

They never be happy of me

FUTURE CORE BELIEFS: My kid will regret one day for having me as a mom

Suggesting writing a diary

Relaxation

Suggesting her a daily routine

16
Suggesting her to do meditation, yoga

Asking husband to give her some love and help

 REFERENCES

1) Kaur, D.M.W., Dr Hardeep (n.d.). What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

(CBT)? [online] Psychology Tools. Available at:
https://www.psychologytools.com/self-help/what-is-cbt/#:~:text=What%20is
%20CBT%3F.

2) Cherry, K. (2021). Psychology Theories. [online] Explore Psychology. Available

at: https://www.explorepsychology.com/psychology-theories/.

3) C
‌ herry, K. (2022). What is Behaviorism? [online] Verywell Mind. Available at:
https://www.verywellmind.com/behavioral-psychology-4157183.

4) Psychology Today. (2019). Cognition | Psychology Today. [online] Available at:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/cognition.

5) Beck Institute Cares. (n.d.). What is CBT? [online] Available at:

https://cares.beckinstitute.org/about-cbt/.

6) Main, P. (2023). Psychodynamic Theory. [online] www.structural-learning.com.

Available at: https://www.structural-learning.com/post/psychodynamic-
theory.

7) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Los Angeles. (2020). What is Cognitive

Behavioral Therapy | About Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Los Angeles. [online]
Available at: https://cogbtherapy.com/about-cbt.

8) Budzyna, D. and Buckley, D. (2023). Grant Information. [online]

Pressbooks.pub. Available at: https://rotel.pressbooks.pub/whole-child/back-
matter/grant-information-2/ [Accessed 8 Aug. 2024].

17
9) Raypole, C. and Marcin, A. (2021). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: How CBT
Works. [online] Healthline. Available at:
https://www.healthline.com/health/cognitive-behavioral-therapy#What-is-
cognitive-behavioral-therapy?.

10)Psychology Today (2019). Behaviorism. [online] Psychology Today. Available

at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/behaviorism.

11)Raypole, C. and Marcin, A. (2019). Cognitive behavioral therapy: How CBT

works. [online] Healthline. Available at:
https://www.healthline.com/health/cognitive-behavioral-therapy.

12)Horne, C. (2021). Behavioral Theory, Behavioral Psychology, Or Behaviorism?

How Behavior And Personality Intersect | Betterhelp. [online]
www.betterhelp.com. Available at:
https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/behavior/behavioral-theory-behavioral-
psychology-or-behaviorism-how-behavior-and-personality-intersect/.

13)Team, N. (2023). What is behavior? | Noldus. [online] What is behavior? |

Noldus. Available at: https://www.noldus.com/blog/what-is-behavior.

14)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Los Angeles. (2020). What is Cognitive

Behavioral Therapy | About Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Los Angeles. [online]
Available at: https://cogbtherapy.com/about-cbt.

Words (2100)

18
19