Main psychological models and perspectives

Psychology, as a discipline, encompasses a multiplicity of models and perspectives that seek to understand the complexity of the human mind and behavior.

This session explores some of the main psychological currents, from foundational to contemporary, providing an informative and reflective journey on how we have come to understand the human psyche.

Foundational Perspectives

• Psychoanalysis: Starting this journey, psychoanalysis, proposed by Sigmund Freud, stands out for its emphasis on unconscious processes. Freud's theory on the mind, divided into conscious and unconscious, and his ideas about psychic conflicts have left a lasting mark on psychology.

• Behaviorism: The behaviorist revolution, led by figures such as John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner, proposed that the study of observable behavior was essential. Rejecting the introspective approach, behaviorism sought to understand how the environment influences behavior and how behaviors can be modified through conditioning.

• Humanistic Psychology: In contrast to the determinism of psychoanalysis and behaviorism, humanistic psychology, represented by Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, focused its attention on personal growth and self-actualization. This perspective highlights the importance of subjective experience and the search for meaning in life.

Cognitive Perspectives

• Cognitive Revolution: The 1950s marked the Cognitive Revolution, challenging the limitations of behaviorism by exploring internal mental processes. Cognitive psychologists like Jean Piaget and Ulric Neisser reshaped psychology by highlighting cognition, memory, and information processing.

• Gestalt Theory: Gestalt theory, which emerged in the early 20th century, asserts that the mind innately organizes information, shaping perception. Researchers like Max Wertheimer explored how experiences are perceived as wholes, not just as the sum of individual parts.

Contemporary Perspectives

• Evolutionary Psychology: Evolutionary psychology, influenced by theorists like Erik Erikson and Jean Piaget, focuses on human development throughout life. It studies how people change physically, cognitively, and socially, highlighting the interaction between genetics and environment.

• Neuroscience: In the contemporary era, neuroscience has emerged as a key perspective. Using advanced brain imaging techniques, neuroscientists explore the relationship between brain activity and behavior, opening new avenues to understand mental disorders and improve treatments.

Applied Approaches

• Clinical Psychology: Clinical psychology, with roots in psychoanalysis and humanistic models, focuses on the assessment and treatment of mental disorders. Cognitive-behavioral therapies