From Psychology to a Transdisciplinary Perspective on Human Behavior

Maria Jifakaki^*
*Correspondence: Maria Jifakaki, Department of Psychiatry, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany, Email:

Introduction

Behavioural psychology, also known as behaviourism, is a branch of psychology that focuses on studying observable behaviour and the environmental factors that influence it. It emerged in the early 20th century as a response to the introspective and subjective methods of the earlier schools of psychology, such as structuralism and functionalism. Behavioural psychology is based on the idea that behaviour can be explained through a process of learning, which is influenced by environmental factors such as rewards, punishments, and reinforcements [1].

Description

The basic premise of behavioural psychology is that all behaviour is learned through experience, either through direct experience with the environment or through observation of others. This learning process can be studied by observing and measuring behaviour and the environmental factors that influence it. This approach emphasizes the importance of studying observable behaviour rather than unobservable mental processes, which were the focus of earlier schools of psychology, Behavioural psychologists believe that behaviour is shaped by environmental factors such as rewards, punishments, and reinforcements. These factors can be used to modify or change behaviour, and the principles of behavioural psychology have been applied to a wide range of settings, from education and therapy to business and marketing [2].

One of the key concepts in behavioural psychology is classical conditioning, which was first described by the Russian psychologist Ivan Pavlov. Classical conditioning occurs when a neutral stimulus is paired with a naturally occurring stimulus, which leads to a response. Over time, the neutral stimulus comes to elicit the same response as the naturally occurring stimulus. This process can be used to create new associations between stimuli and responses, which can be used to modify behaviour.For example, a teacher might use classical conditioning to help a student overcome a fear of public speaking. By gradually exposing the student to speaking in front of a small group of people while providing positive reinforcement, such as praise and encouragement, the teacher can help the student associate speaking in public with positive outcomes rather than fear and anxiety.

Another key concept in behavioural psychology is operant conditioning, which was developed by the American psychologist B.F. Skinner. Operant conditioning occurs when behaviour is influenced by the consequences that follow it. Behaviours that are followed by positive consequences, such as rewards or reinforcements, are more likely to be repeated in the future, while behaviours that are followed by negative consequences, such as punishment, are less likely to be repeated.Operant conditioning has been applied to a wide range of settings, from education and therapy to business and marketing. For example, a business might use operant conditioning to increase employee productivity by providing bonuses or other rewards for meeting performance targets [3].

Behavioural psychology has also been used to explain the phenomenon of social learning, which occurs when individuals learn new behaviours by observing the actions of others. This process can be influenced by factors such as the perceived status of the individual performing the behaviour and the consequences that follow the behaviour.For example, a child might learn to be aggressive towards others by observing aggressive behaviour in their parents or peers. Alternatively, a child might learn to be cooperative and helpful towards others by observing positive behaviour in their parents or peers.Behavioural psychology has been applied to a wide range of settings, from education and therapy to business and marketing. In education, behavioural psychology has been used to develop teaching methods that focus on positive reinforcement and individualized instruction. In therapy, behavioural psychology has been used to treat a wide range of psychological disorders, including anxiety, depression, and addiction [4,5].

Conclusion

In business and marketing, behavioural psychology has been used to develop strategies for product design, advertising, and pricing. For example, businesses might use behavioural psychology to create product packaging that is visually appealing and easy to use, or to create advertising campaigns that appeal to consumers’ emotions and desires.

Behavioural psychology has also been used to explain the phenomenon of cognitive biases, which occur when individuals make decisions or judgments that are influenced by cognitive processes such as memory, attention. The effects of endogenous and exogenous testosterone on suicidality in bipolar disorder patients require further investigation. Future clinical neuroimaging studies, such as structural, functional, and pharmacological magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography, may shed light on the role of testosterone in the biological mechanisms underlying mood disorders and suicidal behaviour.

References

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