Psychological development concepts and theories

Psychology and Culture

Since the science of psychology first developed at the end of the 1800s from the ideas of philosophy, it has undergone a number of changes. These changes have been due to both findings in the way the brain functions as well as transitions in society and its culture. One of the main purposes of psychology is to help people relate to their surroundings. As society became more complex, is has been necessary to provide newer and more effective ways to help individuals understand their psychological needs and alter their behavior.

Psychology was first understood to be the practical application of a philosophy. This philosophy was based in moral thought and religious principles, emphasizing man's requirement to be in touch with his spiritual nature. However, by the end of the l9th century, the newer scientific, rationalistic tradition arose in opposition. Psychology sought to break ties with its philosophical roots and to be the objective, empirical and science of human nature.

Earlier psychology, such as psychoanalysis, was developed by Sigmund Freud in the late 1800s. It was founded on the theory that behavior is determined by strong inner forces deep in the recesses of the unconscious mind. From early childhood, people repress or cover up any desires or needs that not acceptable to themselves or to society. These repressed feelings can cause personality problems, depression, self-destructive behavior, and even physical acting out. In therapy, by a means of free association, the patient talks about things that come to mind as the therapist listens quietly for hints to the person's inner feelings. The goal is to help the patient understand and accept repressed feelings and find ways to deal with them.

Although psychoanalysis has helped immeasurable numbers of people since it was first developed, it can be a very lengthy process. People may be in therapy for numerous years, if not almost their whole lives. Because of the speed of change in today's society, as well as the ramifications from psychological problems such as major depression, suicide, violence toward others and substance abuse, there is a need to help people more quickly and effectively deal with their psychological issues. The emphasis in more modern approaches is in self-development and self-actualization.

Cognitive behavior therapy, CBT, for example, is an approach for people to better handle the here and now, rather than dealing with the past and what has actually caused the psychological problems in the first place. Behavior therapy helps a person reduce the linkages between troublesome situations and the habitual reactions to them, such as fear, depression or rage, and self-defeating or self-damaging behavior. It also teaches individuals how to calm the mind and body, so they can feel better, think more clearly, and make better decisions. This is combined with cognitive therapy, which teaches patients how certain thinking patterns are causing destructive symptoms. They give people a distorted picture of what is occurring in life that is causing anxiety, depression or anger or leading to unhealthy or violent actions. CBT is a very active therapy, which brings change more quickly and treatment is much briefer than psychoanalysis.