Psychology is a discipline that seeks to better understand human behavior. Throughout its development, various psychological theories have been generated that seek to explain patterns and mechanisms that govern human mental and social functioning. These theories not only have intrinsic value in understanding human behavior, but also have a great influence on the creation of therapeutic treatments, educational plans and social policies.
In this regard, it is important to know the theories of psychology that have been developed and tested over time. Some of them focus on learning, perception, motivation and decision making, while others focus on psychosocial development, mental illness or social behavior.
Below is an overview of 10 psychological theories that have had a significant impact on our understanding of human beings and their behavior. These theories not only have academic value but also have practical implications for improving people’s quality of life.
History of psychology and its theories
Psychology as a scientific discipline has a long history that dates back to the dawn of philosophy and medicine. Over time, various theories of psychology have been developed that seek to better understand human behavior.
Cartesian Dualism, for example, divides the mind and body into distinct entities, with the former controlling the latter. Although its approach is less widely used today, it influences modern research, especially neuroscience. Gestalt Theory, on the other hand, emphasizes how we perceive the world through the interaction between our senses and perceptual settings.
Psychology has also been influenced by great figures in philosophy, such as René Descartes and Immanuel Kant. Descartes’ work, in particular, has a great influence on the way we approach the study of human behavior.
In the 20th century, psychology became a more formalized scientific discipline with the creation of specialized institutions and journals. It was at this time that various psychological theories began to emerge that attempted to explain patterns of human behavior.
In the first half of the 20th century, prominent psychologists such as John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner developed theories about learning and behavior, leading to the emergence of Behaviorist Psychology and Behaviorism. Meanwhile, Jean Piaget’s and Lev Vygotsky’s Cognitive Learning Theory were beginning to have a major impact on our understanding of child development.
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, psychology continued to evolve with the emergence of theories such as Leon Festinger’s Cognitive Dissonance Theory and Herbert Simon’s Rational Choice Theory. These theories have been used to better understand complex phenomena such as motivation, decision making, and social behavior.
Psychology has evolved over time and has been influenced by various psychological theories that seek to explain patterns and mechanisms that govern human mental and social functioning. These theories not only have academic value but also have practical implications for improving people’s quality of life.
Different perspectives on understanding human behavior
Psychology is a discipline that draws on various psychological theories that attempt to better understand human behavior. Over time, various perspectives and approaches have emerged that seek to explain patterns and mechanisms that govern human mental and social functioning.
Gestalt theory, for example, emphasizes how we perceive the world through the interaction between our senses and perceptual configuration. Perception is not an individualized response to sensory stimuli, but is constructed through the interaction between the different senses and the organization of the visual field.
Behavioral psychology, on the other hand, focuses on learning and behavior as a consequence of conditioned or unconditioned responses. According to this perspective, human actions can be explained through the observation and recording of sensory stimuli and the organism’s responses.
Cognitive Learning Theory, developed by Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky among others, focuses on the role of the individual in the construction of knowledge and cognitive development. According to this perspective, human beings are active constructors of their own knowledge and reality.
Sociocultural theory, developed by Lev Vygotsky among others, emphasizes the social and cultural influence on human learning and development. According to this perspective, learning is a social and collaborative process that takes place through interactions with other people.
Cognitive Dissonance Theory, developed by Leon Festinger among others, focuses on motivation and decision making. According to this perspective, human beings have an adjustment capacity to reduce cognitive dissonance when faced with situations that harm their system of beliefs and values.
Persuasion theory, developed by Robert Cialdini among others, focuses on the development of strategies designed to influence human decisions and behavior. According to this perspective, persuasion is directly related to the understanding of human behavior.
Psychology is a discipline that draws on various psychological theories that attempt to better understand human behavior. These theories offer different perspectives and approaches to explain patterns and mechanisms that govern human mental and social functioning.
Main theories of brain function
Neuropsychology and neuroscience have significantly advanced our understanding of how the brain works, leading to the emergence of various theories about brain function . Below are some of the most important theories:
- Theories of Synaptic Plasticity:
- Hebbian Learning: The main focus is on synaptic plasticity and how it relates to learning.
- Spike-Timing-Dependent Plasticity (STDP): It is a mechanism that regulates synaptic plasticity depending on the positions of the spikes in a neuron.
- Theories of Neural Networks:
- Connectionist Theory: The main focus is on the neural network and how it is shaped through neural activity.
- Feedforward versus Feedback Loops: Explore how neural networks can operate through feedforward or feedback loops.
- Theories of Brain Function:
- Integrate-and-Fire Model: Analyzes how neurons integrate and fire neuronal signals.
- Working Memory Theory: Explores the function of the prefrontal area and how working memory works.
- Theories of Neurotransmission and Neuroreceptors:
- Receptor Theory: Studies neuronal receptors and how they bind to neurotransmitters to transmit signals.
- Classical Conditioning Theory: Analyzes how conditioned learning is based on the association of stimuli with responses.
- Theories of Emotional Processing:
- Limbic System Theory: Explores the function of the limbic system and how we process emotions.
- Affective Neuroscience Theory: Studies the relationship between emotional processing and the brain structures involved.
- Theories of Sleep and Wakefulness:
- Sleep-Wake Cycle Theory: Analyzes sleep-wake patterns and how they relate to brain function.
- REM-Sleep Theory: Studies the role of REM sleep in the processing and consolidation of information.
These theories are not exhaustive, but they provide an idea of the different perspectives and approaches that attempt to better understand how the brain works.
Albert Bandura’s cognitive theory
Alberto Bandura’s cognitive theory is an important approach in the psychology of learning and development, which focuses on social and cultural influences on human behavior. According to this theory, humans learn not only through personal experience, but also through observation and imitation of others.
Bandura’s cognitive theory is based on three main components:
- Observation: The theory says that people learn through observing others, including observing their actions and outcomes.
- Imitation: The theory holds that people imitate observable behavior because they are inclined to reproduce what they see in others.
- Modeling: Bandura emphasizes that social modeling is a crucial process in human learning, as individuals can adopt skills and behaviors by observing social models.
Evidence for Bandura’s cognitive theory:
- The Bobo doll experiment (1961): In this study, Bandura and his collaborators found that children who observed an aggressive adult model were more likely to be aggressive themselves, while those who observed an adult model who displayed prosocial (good) behavior were more likely to adopt this behavior.
- The Child Delinquent Gang Imitation Study (1977): In this study, Bandura and his collaborators found that children who observed delinquent role models were more likely to commit crimes themselves.
Practical applications of Bandura’s cognitive theory:
- Skills training: The theory can be used to train people in new skills, such as effective communication or leadership.
- Preparing social role models: Theory suggests that educational institutions and social role models influence people’s behavior. Therefore, it is important to prepare positive and healthy social role models.
- Preventing problem behavior: The theory can be used to prevent problem behavior, such as aggression or drug use.
Bandura’s cognitive theory offers us an important understanding of the role that observation and imitation play in our behavior. This understanding can be used to design effective training and prevention programs to improve human well-being.
Psychological development according to Piaget and Erikson
Psychological development is a complex process involving the progressive evolution of mental, emotional and social functions within the individual. Two of the most influential theorists in this field are Jean Piaget and Erik Erikson.
Jean Piaget (1896-1980)
Piaget proposed a theory of psychological development that focuses on the acquisition of knowledge and the formation of concepts over time. According to him, children go through four stages, or stages, each characterized by a specific way of thinking and a particular style of learning:
- Sensorimotor (0-2 years) : The child is responsible for perceiving and manipulating the environment through sensory perception and motor movements.
- Preoperational (2-7 years) : The child begins to use symbols, such as words and signs, to represent his or her mental environment.
- Concrete (7-11 years) : The child can operate with concrete objects and concepts, but cannot yet think abstractly.
- Formal (12 years and older) : The child can think abstractly and reason using general principles.
Erik Erikson (1902-1994)
Erikson proposed a theory of psychological development that focused on the formation of personal identity throughout life. According to him, children pass through eight stages, each characterized by a major emotional or social challenge:
- Trust vs. Mistrust (0-1 year) : Trust in the care and support of the mother or parental figure.
- Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (1-3 years) : The child seeks to explore his or her environment and develop a sense of autonomy.
- Initiative vs. Guilt (4-6 years) : The child attempts to take the initiative and act with confidence in his or her abilities.
- Industry vs. Inferiority (7-12 years) : The child focuses on learning and developing skills to meet his or her needs.
- Identity vs. Role Confusion (13-19 years) : The adolescent tries to figure out who he or she is and what role he or she wants to play in society.
- Intimacy vs. Isolation (20-40 years) : The adult attempts to develop meaningful emotional relationships with others.
- Generativity vs. Stagnation (45-65 years) : The adult seeks to contribute to society and transmit his or her knowledge and skills to others.
- Integrity vs. Despair (66 years and older) : The elderly man tries to take stock of his life and find inner peace.
Both Piaget and Erikson recognize that psychological development is a gradual process and has no defined end, but rather involves continuous evolution and flexibility throughout life.
Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory
Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory is a therapeutic and theoretical approach that seeks to understand the human mind and individual behavior through the analysis of the unconscious mind. Below are the key concepts of this theory:
Founding Conceptions
- The unconscious : Freud believed that the unconscious is the most important component of the human mind, and that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by past events and experiences that we are not aware of.
- The structure of the mind : Freud proposed that the mind is composed of three different structures:
- The Self (Ego): The conscious part of the mind that controls behavior and emotions.
- The Id : The unconscious part of the mind that housed primitive impulses and desires.
- The Superego (Super-Ego): The moralistic and critical part that develops through education and culture.
- The formation of the self : Freud believed that the self emerges as a result of the interaction between the Ego, the Id and the Superego.
Key concepts
- The defensive process : When the unconscious produces a significant amount of unpleasant thoughts or feelings, our Ego can use different defensive mechanisms to avoid feeling uncomfortable.
- Repression : The ability of the ego to repress (hide) undesirable memories and feelings in the unconscious.
- The conflict between impulses and restorations : The ego’s attempt to reconcile unconscious desire with the morality and social rules imposed by culture.
- Cure through analysis : The main tool for curing neurosis is analysis, which involves the exploration of the unconscious and the resolution of internal conflicts.
Stages of development
- Infantility : The early stage of life in which children focus on satisfying their instinctive drives.
- The Oedipal phase : The stage in which children begin to identify with the opposite sex and experience unconscious desires toward that sex.
- The formation of the self : The stage in which personality develops and identity is forged.
Trade unions
- The Oedipus complex : The unconscious union of desire towards the opposite sex, experienced by children between 3 and 6 years old.
- The Anal Phase : The stage when children feel frustrated and angry due to the imposition of rules and regulations.
Therapy
- Freudian analysis : The therapeutic method developed by Freud to help people understand and resolve unconscious conflicts.
- Dream Interpretation : The technique of dream interpretation to reveal unconscious messages.
Freud’s theory has had a profound impact on the fields of psychotherapy, psychology, and sociology, and continues to influence contemporary thought.
Maslow and Rogers’ theory of humanism
Humanism: Theories of Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers
Humanism is a philosophical approach that focuses on valuing and appreciating the inherent value of human life, emphasizing dignity, respect, and individual freedom. Within this context, Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers are two therapists and philosophers who developed theories about humanism.
Abraham Maslow (1908-1970)
Maslow is known for his theory of the Hierarchy of Needs. According to this theory, human beings have different levels of needs that must be satisfied in order to achieve complete emotional and social development.
Structure of the hierarchy of needs
- Physiological needs : The first stage is the satisfaction of basic needs such as hunger, thirst, sleep, etc.
- Safety Needs : The second stage is finding a sense of security and structure to avoid dangers and risks.
- Social Needs : The third stage is establishing social relationships and finding belonging within groups.
- Esteem Needs : The fourth stage is gaining recognition and acceptance from others, which makes us feel important and valued.
- Need for self-actualization : The fifth stage is to reach one’s full potential and obtain a sense of fulfillment and completeness.
Carl Rogers (1902-1987)
Rogers, an American psychologist, developed the theory of actualism. According to this theory, human beings have the potential to reach a full and authentic way of being when they feel respected and valued.
Key elements
- Congruence : Congruence between the real person and his or her self-image is essential to achieving authenticity.
- Emotional involvement : Emotional involvement in the therapeutic process or in any situation is important to achieve a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.
- Mental Flexibility : Mental flexibility is necessary to approach situations creatively and effectively.
Similarities and differences
Both theories share the idea that human beings have an innate potential to achieve a higher level of self-actualization and fulfillment. However, while Maslow focuses on basic needs and the hierarchy of needs to achieve emotional and social development, Rogers focuses on congruence and emotional involvement to achieve authenticity.
Maslow’s theory can be seen as more structured and linear, while Rogers’ theory is more flexible and intuitive. However, both theories share the idea that human beings have the potential to be fulfilled and fulfilled.
Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution
Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution
Charles Darwin (1809-1882) was a British scientist who revolutionized our understanding of biological diversity and evolutionary development. His book On the Origin of Species (1859) is considered one of the most important works in the history of science.
The theory of natural selection
Darwin developed a theory to explain how species would change over time through offspring and adaptation to environments. The central idea is that variations in the characteristics of individuals can be favorable or unfavorable depending on the environment.
Natural selection occurs as follows:
- Variability : There are natural variations between individuals in a population, such as morphological, physiological or genetic differences.
- Selective pressure : The environment exerts pressure on the population, making some variations more advantageous than others for reproductive success.
- Development and survival : Individuals with favorable characteristics are more likely to survive, reproduce and influence subsequent generations.
- Stabilization and change : Natural selection stabilizes the most common characteristics and encourages change toward characteristics that are even more advantageous.
Evolution and transition between species
Darwin’s theory also explained how species can evolve and transform into new ones. This is achieved through processes such as:
- Gradualism : Evolutionary change occurs gradually, over several centuries or even millions of years.
- Speciation : The formation of new species is the result of a process that involves the creation of reproductive barriers between population groups.
Implications for biology and society
Darwin’s theory of evolution had important implications for scientific and societal understanding. It accompanied the expansion of the field of biology, led to the creation of new areas such as genetics and ecology, and laid the groundwork for the modern understanding of evolution.
In social terms, evolutionary theory has been used to understand human behaviour patterns such as competition for resources, cooperation and sexual selection. It has also inspired debates about the origin and diversity of life on Earth.
Legacy and criticism
Darwin’s theory of evolution remains an important topic in science today, and has received much criticism and revision over time. However, its influence on scientific and societal understanding is undeniable, and it remains a fundamental concept in the study of biological evolution and the diversity of life.
Conclusion
Conclusion
In this journey through the 10 most important psychological theories, we have explored different approaches to understanding the human mind. Each theory has contributed to our understanding of human behavior and has led to significant discoveries in the field of psychology.
Darwin’s theory of evolution is not technically a psychological theory, but its influence on scientific and societal understanding is undeniable. It has inspired debates about the origin and diversity of life on Earth, and its impact on biology and society remains significant.
Final thoughts
These psychological theories teach us that:
- The human mind is complex and multi-layered
- Human behavior can be understood through different approaches
- Learning and development are important processes
- The social and cultural environment significantly influences human behavior
- Biological diversity and evolution have led to the creation of our species
We hope that this guide has provided a useful overview of the major psychological theories. However, it is important to remember that each theory has its limitations and weaknesses, and that understanding human behavior remains an active area of research and discovery.
Suggestion
If you want to learn more about these theories or explore specific areas of psychology, we encourage you to read books and scientific articles, attend conferences and academic events, or participate in online communities of interest. Psychology is a fascinating field that requires curiosity and the enjoyment of learning!
