Human Behavior and Social Environment: A Multidimensional and Ecological Approach, Exams of Psychology

Download Human Behavior and Social Environment: A Multidimensional and Ecological Approach and more Exams Psychology in PDF only on Docsity! Human Behavior and the Social Environment Multidimentional Approach: - No single factor can account for behavioral responses -Uniqueness of person - environment interaction Eclectic Approach: - Drawing from a variety of theoretical perspectives Systems Perspective: - Sees human behavior as the outcome of reciprocal interactions of persons operating within linked social systems. System levels: Ecological Perspective identifies four interdependent, nested categories or levels of systems: - MICRO: systems that involve direct face-to-face contact between members. MESO: networks of microsystems of a given person. EXO: the linkages between microsystems and larger institutions that affect the system. MACRO: the broader influences of culture, subculture, and social structure. Tools for the Ecological/Systems Perspective are - Ecomaps and Genograms Chaos theory: - Emphasize the dynamic interactions within, between, and among systems that produce change, sometimes even rapid, dramatic Based off of the Chaos theory, the Butterfly effect: - Small differences in initial conditions can yield widely diverging outcomes for such dynamical systems, rendering long-term prediction impossible. Conflict Perspective: - Draws attention to conflict, dominance, and oppression in social life. Oppression of non-dominant groups leads to their alienation, or a sense of indifference or hostility. Lack of open conflict is a sign of exploitation. Intersectionality theory: - Individuals hold cross-cutting and overlapping memberships in status groups. Recognizes the vectors of oppression and privilege Empowerment theories: - Focus on processes that individuals and collectivities can use to recognize patterns of inequality and injustice and take action to increase their own power. -Discourage pathologizing and fostering strengths. Rational Choice Perspective: - Sees human behavior as based on self-interest and rational choices about effective ways to accomplish goals Social Exchange Theory: - Starts with the premise that social behavior is based on the desire to maximize benefits and minimize costs. -Persons with greater resources in a social exchange often hold more power over others in the exchange. -People give in order to get. Social Constructionist Perspective: - (Subjective) No single explanatory system or view of reality can account for all the phenomena of life. 8. Primary Reinforcers: Non-learned reinforcers; usually those that satisfy physiological needs. 9. Secondary Reinforcers: A learned reinforcer; often one that gains reinforcing properties by association with a primary reinforcer. (eg. Token system) Cognitive Social Learning Theory: (Bandura) - Behavior is learned by imitation, observation, beliefs, and expectations. Cognitive Learning: - Higher level learning involving thinking, knowing, understanding, and anticipation. Observational Learning (modeling): - Learning achieved by watching and imitating the actions of another or noting the consequences of those actions. Humanistic Perspective: - -Emphasize the individual's freedom of action and search for meaning. -Human behavior is driven by a desire for growth, personal meaning, and competence, and by a need to experience a bond with others. -Human behavior can be understood only from the vantage point of the phenomenal self—from the internal frame of reference of the individual. Abraham Maslow's Theory of Self-Actualization: 1. Hierarchy of needs 2. Physiological needs 3. Safety needs 4. Belongingness 5. Esteem needs 6. Self-actualization - 1. Hierarchy of needs: Higher needs cannot emerge in full motivational force until lower needs have been at least partially satisfied. 2. Physiological needs: hunger, thirst, sex 3. Safety needs: avoidance of pain and anxiety; desire for security 4. Belongingness and love needs: affection, intimacy 5. Esteem needs: self-respect, adequacy, mastery 6. Self-actualization: to be fully what one can be; altruism, beauty, creativity, justice etc. Client Centered Therapy: (Carl Rogers) - Importance of client feelings and the dignity and worth of each individual. The core conditions of the therapeutic process: - empathy warmth genuineness Strengths Perspective: (Positive Psychology) - -Undertakes the scientific study of people's strengths and virtues and promotes optimal functioning of individuals and communities. -Every individual, family, community has strengths, assets and resources. -Takes a view that respects the power of human beings to overcome and surmount adversity. -People have an inherent capacity to transform themselves by getting in touch with their own natural resources Learned helplessness vs. Learned optimism - -Learned helplessness: may develop if one frequently encounters adversive events they cannot control, and they give up. -Learned optimism: valuing self-determination (Seligman)