Psychology 7 perspectives

The seven perspectives of psychology.

The Psychodynamic Perspective
Originating in the work of Sigmund Freud, the psychodynamic perspective emphasizes
unconscious psychological processes (for example, wishes and fears of which we’re not fully
aware), and contends that childhood experiences are crucial in shaping adult personality. The
psychodynamic perspective has evolved considerably since Freud’s time, and now includes
innovative new approaches such as object relations theory and neuropsychoanalysis. Some
psychodynamic concepts have held up well to empirical scrutiny while others have not, and
aspects of the theory remain controversial, but the psychodynamic perspective continues to
influence many different areas of contemporary psychology.
The Behavioral Perspective
Many philosophers, scientists and biologists have long sought to answer a simple question: What
motivates human beings? What can explain our decisions, actions and behavior? According to
the behavioral perspective, the way we behave and learn can be explained through our
interactions with the environment. Our actions are always responses to stimuli, which either
occur naturally or because of a learned response.
The Cognitive Perspective
The cognitive perspective, operates on the belief that the brain is the most important aspect in
relation to the way that an individual behaves or thinks. This perspective states that to understand
someone, you must first be able to understand what is happening in their mind
The Biological Perspective
There are many different ways of thinking about topics in psychology. The biological
perspective is a way of looking at psychological issues by studying the physical basis for animal
and human behavior. It is one of the major perspectives in psychology and involves such things
as studying the brain, immune system, nervous system, and genetics.
The Cross-Cultural Perspective
The Cross Cultural Perspective of psychology focuses on how culture impacts psychological
processes. For example, how might someone raised in Rwanda differ from someone raised in
Russia in thoughts, perceptions, behaviors, and development? Also, in what ways are these two
individuals similar?
The Evolutionary Perspective
Definition. An evolutionary perspective of personality and individual differences proposes that
our personalities and individual differences have evolved, in part, to provide us with some form
of adaptive advantage in the context of survival and reproduction.
The Humanistic Perspective
Humanistic psychology is a perspective that emphasizes looking at the whole individual and
stresses concepts such as free will, self-efficacy, and self-actualization. Rather than concentrating
on dysfunction, humanistic psychology strives to help people fulfill their potential and maximize
their well-being