The five main theories of general psychology

What drives our emotions, thoughts and actions? This question is answered by general psychology, the science that seeks to understand human behaviour and the psyche. There are many theories that try to explain these complex processes. Let's talk about the five main systems of ideas and concepts.

1. Psychoanalytic theory.
   The founder is Sigmund Freud.
   Main ideas. Freud assumed that human behaviour is guided by unconscious processes, conflicts, and desires. His model of personality has three main components: The Id, which reflects instinctive needs and unconditional drives; the Ego, which represents rational thought and a realistic awareness of limitations; and the Superego, which is formed from moral standards, norms, and ideals derived from the social environment. These components interact with each other to form a complex personality structure.
   Influence on general psychology. This theory has radically changed approaches to psychotherapy, improved understanding of internal conflicts and human motivations. In addition to general psychology, Freud's views influenced literature and culture in general. However, some aspects have not escaped criticism because of their subjectivity and lack of empirical validity.
2. Behavioural theory.
   Founders - John Watson and B. F. Skinner.
   Basic ideas. Behaviourists refuse to study complex mental processes, such as emotions or thoughts, and focus only on what can be observed and measured - external manifestations of behaviour. Particular attention is paid to experimental research methods. That is, conditions are created in which it is possible to systematically observe how human actions change depending on certain stimuli.
   Impact on general psychology. The development of behavioural therapy, changes in teaching and upbringing methods.
3. Cognitive theory.
   Founders - Jean Piaget, Albert Ellis and Aaron Beck.
   Main ideas. This is a branch of general psychology that focuses on the study of internal mental processes, such as thinking, memory, perception, and problem solving. It studies how people process information and how this affects their decisions or actions.
   Influence on general psychology. The formation of cognitive therapy that focuses on changing destructive thought patterns.
4. Humanistic theory.
   Founders - Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers.
   Main ideas. This is one of the areas of general psychology that emphasises the importance of personal growth, self-realisation, and freedom of choice. This approach developed as a reaction to psychoanalysis and behaviourism, which humanistic psychologists considered too limited and even pessimistic about human nature. Humanistic psychology views the personality as a holistic system where all aspects (emotional, cognitive, physical) are interconnected and influence overall well-being.
   Impact on general psychology. The introduction of the concepts of self-actualisation and client-centred therapy, which has significantly changed general psychological practice and other areas, including education, human resources management and social work.
5. Evolutionary theory of emotions.
   Founders - Charles Darwin, David Bass, John Tooby, Leda Cosmides and other modern psychologists.
   Main ideas. Evolutionary psychology studies how evolutionary processes, such as natural selection, affect psychological traits and behaviour. Emotions are believed to have emerged as vital mechanisms for an organism to adapt to the conditions and situations of its life. For example, fear helps to avoid dangers, while love and affection contribute to the creation of strong social bonds that increase the chances of survival.
   Impact on general psychology. Expanding the understanding of psychological mechanisms from the perspective of evolutionary biology. Stimulating interdisciplinary research that combines data from genetics, anthropology, neuroscience, and other fields to provide a more comprehensive understanding of human nature.

General psychology encompasses many more interesting aspects and systems of thought that are worthy of detailed consideration. We invite you to acquire theoretical knowledge and useful practical skills at OPTIMA Distance College, where you can dive deeper into the science of human mind and behaviour!