Behavioral and Evolutionary Perspectives in Behavioral Development

Psychology

PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES OF BEHAVIOR AND MENTAL PROCESSES

The behavioral theory by Watson, Pavlov, and Skinner provides a psychological perspective that facilitates the understanding of human behavior and mental processes. Ivan Pavlov investigated the classical conditioning while Watson used experimental laboratory techniques to reject introspective theories of behavior. However, Skinner focused on behaviorism related to common sense. Despite the variability of the researches conducted, they converge on an observable conclusion that behavior forms the basis of understanding one's mental activities. Environment plays a role in determining behavior. From their findings, observing one's behavior provides clues about their mental and psychological processes. Primarily, one's behavior is determined by the association between environmental stimuli and the magnitude of pleasure and pain that result from their actions. The stimuli have a profound effect on one's psychological and mental processes. The subconscious mind stores these pleasures and pain, which affects the mental process and psychological at the later stages of their lives.

All experiences that someone encounters are critical in shaping behavior and mental processes. Pleasurable and painful experiences exert a significant effect on one's mental and psychological development. Altering the prevailing environmental conditions affects the psychological and mental processes and result in the modification of their behavior. Rewards and punishment influence the behavior and personality of an individual. For example, the society considers one as a genius because of the successful development of their mental and psychological processes shaped by the provision of rewards and reinforcements. However, individuals suffering from mental health related conditions have a high risk of historical exposure to negative stimuli over a long period. Therefore, their inability to control the negative experiences stored in their subconscious minds result in the mental illnesses.

Mental health professionals recognize the influence of the environment in predisposing people to mental conditions such as anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, and substance abuse disorders among other disorders. As such, behavioral therapy is effective in managing the conditions. The treatment focuses on examining the relationship between feelings, behaviors, and thoughts in influencing behavior. Understanding the contributing factors enables mental health professionals establish strategies for modifying their behaviors and patterns of thinking to bring positive change. Behavioral therapy operates on the premise that mental conditions occur because of a learning process, therefore, the same can be unlearnt by providing the required stimuli to bring a change in behavior.

I believe that the evolutionary perspective of understanding human behavior and mental processes is one of the least perspectives that accurately explain the relationship. The view operates on the premise that evolution of humanity played a role in influencing behavior and mental processes. The perspective postulates that events like natural selection and survival of the fittest played a role in influencing behavior and mental processes. The mental processes and behavior exists because of the evolutionary purposes that aid human reproduction and survival. In addition, the perspective recognizes that environmental problems that human beings subjected to psychological changes influencing their behavior.