Psychology Paradigms and Perspectives

Major Paradigms in Psychology

• The study unit is titled "Major Paradigms in Psychology" and focuses on the psychodynamic paradigm.
• The course is PSY1610, worth 6 ECTS credits.
• Assessment is a take-home examination with short essay questions.
• Course coordinator is Dr. Greta Darmanin Kissaun.
• Lecturers include Dr. Greta Darmanin Kissaun (Malta cohort), Ms Mary Rose Gatt (Gozo cohort), Dr Marta Sant (Malta and Gozo cohorts), and Ms Roberta Farrugia Debono (Malta and Gozo cohorts).

Introduction to PSY1610

• The unit aims to introduce students to three major areas of psychology: psychoanalysis, humanistic-existential paradigm, and behaviorism.
• The paradigms form the foundational stones of many psychological theories.
• The unit also aims to introduce the underlying values and attitudes typical of these paradigms.
• The assigned textbooks include "An introduction to theories of personality" by Hall, Lindsey, & Campbell (1998), "An elementary textbook of psychoanalysis" by Brenner (1974), and "Theories of Personality" by Feist, Feist, & Roberts (2018).

What is a Paradigm?

• A paradigm is a set of ideas/framework that helps us interpret reality.
• A paradigm is a commonly accepted perspective in a discipline.
• A paradigm is an internationally recognized scientific achievement, which gives models, problems, and solutions to a group of practitioners (Kuhn 1962).
• A scientific revolution occurs when a new paradigm better explains reality than the old paradigm and is incompatible with it (incommensurable).
• Examples of paradigm shifts include Darwin's theory of evolution, Copernicus' model, and Einstein's theory of gravity.

Psychology - A Unique Discipline

• Psychology has several competing schools of thought (paradigms), rather than one widely accepted paradigm.
• It reflects the complexity of the human organism.
• Major branches include psychoanalysis, behaviorism, cognitive psychology, humanistic-existential perspective, and neuropsychology.

Psychology - A Multiparadigmatic Discipline

• Successful psychological ideas have endured, rather than a complete paradigm shift.
• Multiple theories and approaches coexist in psychology, each providing insights.
• Psychology is therefore a multiparadigmatic discipline.

Three Paradigms in Psychology

• First force: Psychoanalysis. Behaviors and emotions are determined by unconscious drives, such as those related to sexuality and aggression, and by childhood experiences.
• Second force: Behaviorism. It focuses only on observable behaviors and rejects the unconscious. It reacts to psychoanalysis
• Third force: Humanistic-Existential perspective. This paradigm emphasizes human potential and the desire for meaningful lives. It reacts to both psychoanalysis and behaviorism

Psychoanalytic Theory

• Sigmund Freud, born in Moravia (Czech Republic) in 1856, moved to Vienna at age 4, where his work originated.
• Psychoanalysis emphasizes unconscious processes and the importance of childhood experiences.
• It is a deterministic theory, as childhood greatly influences an individual's personality.
• Treatment focuses on understanding unconscious processes to alleviate emotional problems.
• Psychoanalysis has evolved over time; major periods or waves include Drive Psychology, Ego Psychology, British Schools (Object Relations and Self Psychology).

Behaviorism

• A significant movement in experimental psychology in the 20th century, focusing on practical applications.
• The movement rejected introspective methods (like psychoanalysis).
• Key figures include John Watson (prediction and control of behavior), Pavlov (classical conditioning), Skinner (operant conditioning), and others.
• Behaviour therapy emerged in the 1950's, drawing on classical and operant conditioning to modify behavior and alleviate symptoms.

Humanistic-Existential Perspective

• The perspective encompasses the person-centered approach (Rogers), logotherapy (Frankl), and Gestalt psychotherapy (Perls).
• Core beliefs: human potential and the search for meaningful lives.
• Concepts: self-awareness, freedom, responsibility, identity, relationships, meaning, anxiety, and awareness of death.
• Therapy: focuses on fostering growth, integration, safety, and a non-judgmental space for the client.

Example of Personality Domains Analysis

• A scenario: A child throws a stone and hits a father.
• Possible reactions: angry outburst, stone-throwing back, public shame, family departure, or calming reaction and complaint.
• Psychoanalysis explains a reaction based on personality structure and function.

Definitions of Personality

• Personality is a long-lasting pattern of deeply-embedded psychological characteristics.
• These characteristics are largely unconscious and difficult to change.
• These characteristics emerge from a mix of biological factors and life experiences.
• They influence the way one feels, thinks, acts, and copes with life.

Key Domains of Personality

• Physical
• Emotional
• Cognitive
• Behavioral
• Spiritual

Important Questions in Personality

• Nature vs. nurture
• Instinctive vs. Intentional
• Product of past?
• Self-awareness
• Implications of the debates mentioned

Further Questions about the Personality of Individuals

• What are your thoughts?
• What are the implications of these psychological debates?
• A case study of an 11-year old boy: his physical characteristics, emotional responses, cognitive abilities, behavioral tendencies, and spiritual background are considered.

Why Study Personality?

• Understanding for therapeutic purposes
• Assessment
• Research
• Theoretical development

Explore the key concepts and major perspectives in psychology through this quiz. Delve into the evolution of scientific understanding in the field and understand how different schools of thought, such as psychoanalysis and behaviorism, contrast with each other. Test your knowledge on the significance of paradigms in psychological development.