Theoretical Perspectives to Human Behavior

Theoretical Perspectives to Human Behavior Over the last several years, there have been a number of theories introduced to explain human behavior. To fully understand the most effective approaches requires focusing on psychology, genetics and neuroscience. This will be accomplished by studying each perspective in relation to human conduct and which theory is most valid. Together, these different elements will highlight the underlying influences on the thoughts and actions of a person.

The Three Perspectives on Human Behavior Like what was stated previously, there are three areas that are focused on these include: psychology, behavioral genetics and behavioral neuroscience. Psychology is when there is a focus on how the thoughts of an individual will influence their behavior. This is because the environment will shape the way that someone reacts to different events.

(Robbins, 1991) Evidence of this can be seen with observations from Robbins (1991) who said, "Everything that happens in your life -- both what you are thrilled with and challenged by -- began with a decision. it's in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped.

The choices that you are making right now, every day, will shape how you feel today as well as who you are going to become in the future and beyond." This is illustrating how psychology will have a direct impact on the decisions that are made by everyone. When this happens, it will determine the levels of happiness and other challenges that are affecting the person (based upon these views).

(Robbins, 1991) The way that this can explain human behavior is to focus on how the thoughts of the individual and the way they are reacting to events are influencing their actions. When this happens, mental health professionals will have a greater understanding as to what factors are impacting the person. This is the point that they can begin working with them to address these challenges and changing how they are looking at various events. In the future, this will result in positive transformations with their behavior.

(Robbins, 1991) Behavioral genetics is when there is focus on how biological factors are influencing the way that someone is reacting to different events. During this process, there is a concentration on how certain inherited traits will impact the way a person sees themselves and their role in the world. This will influence their behavior by causing them to react in a manner that is in line with various genetic attributes. (Plomin, 2008) For example, the Irish are known for drinking and fighting.

Using behavioral genetics, researchers could show how the influence of alcohol and Irish culture shaped these opinions. As the individual will assume that this kind of behavior is appropriate given their ancestry and the way the reacted to different stimuli. (Plomin, 2008) Moreover, many individuals will have select attributes that are passed down from previous generations. This will determine if the person is susceptible to certain mental conditions (i.e. schizophrenia and depression).

These factors will play an important part in deciding biochemical and genetic causes affecting the behavior of the individual. (Plomin, 2008) These ideas can explain human behavior by focusing on how genetic and biological elements are influencing the way someone reacts to various stimuli. This is compared with others in their family to understand the issues impacting them. When this happens, there is an emphasis on past challenges that influenced these relatives and how this is shaping the person.

(Plomin, 2008) Behavioral neuroscience is focusing on specific genetic factors which can be incorporated in understanding the influence of psychology on an individual. This is when there is a study of the different genetic and biological characteristics in conjunction with their impact on thought patterns. When this happens, mental health professionals will look at how this is shaping the way that someone reacts to various events. This can influence human behavior to provide greater amounts of clarity surrounding: individual beliefs and genetic characteristics on the person.

(Carlson, 2010) Which Perspective is Most Valid? The most valid perspective is the behavioral neuroscience approach. This is.