Question

7 Contemporary Approaches to Psychology: Biological, Behavioral, Psychodynamic, Humanistic, Evolutionary, Sociocultural, & Cognitive

For each of the 7 Approaches, take a celebrity/public figure and explain his/her “bad” behavior. In other words, how would each Approach explain or try to understand how and why the celebrity/public figure acts the way he/she does. (use same for each approach)

Answer 1

Biological concept of psychology says that our behavior is result of our genetics and physiological actions taking place in our body. Behavioral aspect of psychology says that our behavior remains the resultant of our past experiences.

Rewards and punishments in our past determine our behavior of present and future. Psycho-dynamic aspect of psychology says that various psychological forces are responsible for our present day behavior.

Humanistic approach says that self efficacy and self actualization are mainly responsible in determining our behavior. Our own will also determines our present behavior. Evolutionary aspects determine the importance of adaptations in our life.

These adaptations determine our behavior in various stressful situations. Our memory and perceptions, all are results of adaptations and learning which we have learned through natural selection.

Socio-cultural aspect of psychology says that social and cultural behavior in our surroundings have a detrimental effects on our personality. Our surroundings impact our thought process through various measures.

Cognitive aspects says that our own creative abilities determine our personality. Our problem solving capability determines our behavior in difficult situations. Lets take the example of Justin Bieber. He is a star. He was launched when he was a kid.

He has been blamed for ill behavior at many occasions. His nature and nurture both determines his behavior. He has experienced extreme lavish life styles. He has no exposure to poverty. He got success in early age.

He became habitual of substance abuse. He had to make no sufficient struggle in achieving great moments of life. This developed a thought process that life is easy and anything can be achieved with so much of ease.

This is not the reality. Life is harsh and it demands struggle. Now he understands the importance of good behavior and tries to remain calm at public gatherings. So, experiences and people in our surrounding have major impacts in shaping our personality.