Unit 1: The Great Eight & Eclectic Psychology

Where the "Great Eight" coexist in peace and harmony.

No one perspective is considered more influential than its fellow perspectives.

Behavioral

Psychology

Socio-Cultural

Psychology

The Socio-Cultural Psychologist's thoughts on Billy....

-Billy is a product of his environment. His lack of effort in school stems from the family's value of education (low priority value)

-Billy is lacks close friendships because he's never really learned what it means to be close to another human being.

-In order for Billy to improve, his environment needs to improve (i.e. Dad's efforts to be an effective parent, appropriate school resources that address his learning/behavioral issues, etc.)

The Behavioral Psychologist's thoughts on Billy......

-Billy continues to show little interest in school, earn poor grades and act inappropriately because this behavior is actually being rewarded.

-Billy's teacher is reinforcing/rewarding poor classroom behavior with attention. Negative attention is still a good thing for someone who lacks attention, in general.

-Dad may not realize that he's teaching Billy that, no matter what he does (or does not do), he'll continue to receive material gifts, social opportunities and other rewards.

Behavior

Genetics

The Behavior Geneticist's thoughts on Billy....

-Billy's ADHD may be "genetic"; family medical history should be investigated.

-Billy's ADHD should be monitored closely and treated with medication.

-Some of Billy's behavior may be tied to personality traits that are common amongst other relatives (maladaptive personality traits are difficult to correct).

Cognitive

Psychology

The Cognitive Psychologist's thoughts on Billy......

-Through past (negative) experiences, Billy has developed a pessimistic outlook on life

-His parents' divorce and the knowledge that his mother chose his siblings over himself, has impacted Billy's approach to life.

-"Trust," "Love," "Family," and "Communication" have skewed meaning to Billy, based on his experiences and how they've shaped his perspective.

-In order to improve, Billy needs positive experiences that will reshape his thinking.

Eclectic

Psychology

The Evolutionary Psychologist's thoughts on Billy......

-"Billy's current behavior reflects a survival mechanism--he's acting out because he needs the attention

-Feeling rejected and lost, Billy makes choices/decisions that help him get through each day

-In order to improve, Billy needs to discover his strengths (athletics) and learn the benefits of positive academic behavior (with the help of his teachers, parents, etc.).

The Biopsychosocial Approach

Evolutionary

Psychology

The Psychoanalytic Psychologist's thoughts on Billy......

-The trauma from Billy's parents' divorce has been left unresolved. Billy may think he's moved on but his behavior reflects repressed memories of sad, frightening life-changes.

-Watching his mom choose his siblings over himself, Billy has likely developed an "inferiority complex" and the obvious low self-esteem has started to carry over into his academics and social life.

-In order to improve, Billy needs to talk to a therapist who can help him revisit earlier, traumatic times.

Psychoanalytic Psychology

The Biological Psychologist's thoughts on Billy......

-Billy's ADHD is of great significance and importance.

-If drug therapy is considered appropriate, a drug like Aderol may adjust faulty brain chemistry and balance hormone levels.

-Balanced brain chemistry may allow Billy to sleep, behave and control emotions better, and may improve his performance in school.

The Humanistic Psychologist's thoughts on Billy......

-Billy's self-esteem is low (for many reasons).

-If Billy can focus on what he already does well (athletics), his self-confidence will increase

-Billy can certainly pull out of his "slump," though the motivation to improve has to come from him.

Biological

Psychology

Humanistic

Psychology