Assessment 3 How Major Psychological Thought Informs Professional Behavior

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Capella University

PSYC FPX 4100 History and Modern Systems of Psychology

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How Major Psychological Thought Informs Professional Behavior

Psychological theories and perspectives have significantly influenced various professional fields, including healthcare, education, and business (Adams et al., 2019). Understanding the implications of major schools of psychological thought on professional behavior is essential for practitioners to deliver effective and evidence-based services. This report explores the influence of cognitive psychology, a major school of psychological thought, on professional behavior, particularly in nursing. It examines the pivotal events shaping cognitive psychology, its interaction with other schools of thought, and the cultural factors influencing its development. Furthermore, it delves into how knowledge derived from cognitive psychology informs professional behavior in nursing, offering practical applications.

Events Affecting the Development of School Thought

The Cognitive Revolution (1950s-1960s):

This era witnessed a pivotal shift in psychology from behaviorism to cognitive psychology, marked by the emergence of novel methodologies for studying mental processes (Mandal, 2021). The Cognitive Revolution laid the groundwork for cognitive psychology as a distinct school of thought, emphasizing the significance of investigating mental processes in understanding human behavior.

Information Processing Theory (1960s-1970s):

Proposing an analogy between the human mind and a computer, this theory conceptualized mental processes such as perception and memory as forms of information processing (Sayood, 2018). It provided a framework for examining mental processes and their influence on behavior.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (1960s-present):

Integrating cognitive psychology and behaviorism, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) aims to modify negative thoughts and behaviors to enhance mental health (American Psychological Association, 2017). Widely applied in treating various mental disorders, CBT has significantly impacted psychology.

Neuroscience and Cognitive Psychology (1990s-present):

Advancements in technologies like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have facilitated the study of the brain’s role in cognitive processes, fostering a deeper understanding of cognitive psychology (Loued-Khenissi et al., 2018).

Impact of Other Schools of Thought

Behaviorism:

Predominant before the rise of cognitive psychology, behaviorism prioritized the study of observable behavior over mental processes (Bordens & Horowitz, 2018). While influencing early cognitive psychology, it ultimately spurred its development by highlighting its limitations.

Gestalt Psychology:

Emphasizing perception and the organization of sensory information, Gestalt psychology influenced cognitive psychology by stressing the study of mental processes such as perception and attention (Çeliköz et al., 2019).

Humanistic Psychology:

Focused on subjective experience and personal growth, humanistic psychology has indirectly impacted cognitive psychology by influencing counseling and psychotherapy practices, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (Seligman, 2019).

Evolutionary Psychology:

Highlighting the role of evolutionary processes in shaping behavior and mental processes, evolutionary psychology offers insights into cognitive psychology and social cognition (Badcock et al., 2019).

Impact of Other Cultures

Western Culture:

Cognitive psychology in the Western context reflects cultural values such as individualism and rational thinking (Scott, 2020). While beneficial, it