List of psychological schools

List of Psychological Schools refers to the various theoretical perspectives and approaches that have been developed in the field of psychology. These schools of thought provide different ways of understanding human behavior and mental processes.

Psychoanalytic School

The Psychoanalytic School was founded by Sigmund Freud. This school of thought emphasizes the influence of the unconscious mind on behavior. Freud believed that the human mind was composed of three elements: the id, the ego, and the superego.

Behaviorist School

The Behaviorist School focuses on observable behaviors. Founded by John B. Watson, behaviorism argues that psychology should be a science of behavior, not the mind, and rejected the idea of internal mental states such as beliefs, desires, or goals.

Humanistic School

The Humanistic School emerged in response to both psychoanalysis and behaviorism. Founded by Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, humanistic psychology emphasizes individual human experience and personal growth. It is often associated with the concept of self-actualization.

Cognitive School

The Cognitive School focuses on mental processes such as memory, perception, thinking, and problem-solving. This school of thought arose in part as a reaction to behaviorism, arguing that psychology must include the study of internal mental states to fully understand human behavior.

Biological School

The Biological School of psychology emphasizes the physiological and genetic influences on human behavior. It looks at the relationship between the mind and body, often focusing on the role of the brain and nervous system.

Evolutionary School

The Evolutionary School applies the principles of evolution, such as natural selection and survival of the fittest, to explain psychological processes and behavior. It suggests that mental processes exist because they serve an adaptive purpose.

Social-Cultural School

The Social-Cultural School emphasizes the influence of social and cultural factors on human behavior and mental processes. It looks at how societal norms and cultural context can influence an individual's behavior, thoughts, and feelings.

Conclusion

Each of these psychological schools offers a different perspective on human behavior and mental processes. They each have their strengths and weaknesses, and they often complement each other. Understanding these different schools of thought can provide a more comprehensive understanding of human psychology.