I'm studying psychology... what approach do support and why.?

Question

eg... cognitive, psychodynamic, biological, bahavioural..etc. im just interested in what people think.

Answer 1

It depends on what are you talking about...

are you talking about different approaches such as

Behavioral
Cognitive
etc.

Or

Nature/Nuture

and there are so many more

Edit*
cognitive, psychodynamic, humanistic, behavioral, biological but I think the first 4 are the main ones

I believe that they all combined are good. By themselves they are a little to extreme to apply completely...

Say someone with severe depression...the disorder should be look at cognitively because it could be a problem in the brain with chemical imbalances. It should be looked at behaviorally to see what type of lifestyle the person is leading...if the persons spouse just died of course they are upset. You can look at the humanistic approach and try to figure out why this person isn't necessarily looking for meaning.

So for me I believe that all should be used as they are relevent.

Answer 2

If the question relates to an approach in practical psychology then I would favour the cognitive/behavioural approach. Apart from the truly evil people (see People of the Lie, Scott M. Peck) there is, I believe, no human dysfunction that cannot be helped by an indept examination of the behavioural patterns which result in difficulties. And recognition of the destructive behavioural patterns is a first step in resolving the difficulties. Cognitive/behavioural therapy is the most widely used tool in psychotherapy world-wide.

Answer 3

There are many different branches of psychology with many different theories. From the Clinical point of view, I tend to favor a Cognitive-Behavioral approach, changes in thought will change behavior, but there approaches that are called the Third Wave beyond the Cognitive-Behavioral approach that encompass ideas from Eastern philosophy and encourage mindfulness. I have included Buddhist concepts in treatment, the idea that we should not look at something like depression as bad in itself, but as a way of expressing one's self. It kind of reminds one of Thomas Szasz.
I was trained in Experimental Child Psychology and mostly in cognitive psychology, the study of thinking, memory, attention, and such. Much Piaget and the Kendlers and Harlow and the interplay of computer concepts and thought processes. It is very interesting to see how many personality characteristics and psychiatric problems have ties to cognitive processes, such as the role of memory in schizophrenia.
Yet there are many other avenues to explore. I also followed many ideas in physiological psychology, but I cannot remember the big names.
I largely hold to a James-Lange Theory of emotion and action, but I have heard of a newer theory that challenges it.
Just some thoughts. Serious it seems a little scattered.

Answer 4

I'm studying Psychology too! What do you mean by approach? If you mean in terms of therapy I'm in favour of humanistic/behaviourist approach where the client would be encouraged to make lifestyle changes and to note these changes and their effect in a positive way.

Better still, an eclectic approach, which would incorporate all the best aspects from each school of thought to produce the best treatment for each individual's condition and circumstances.
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Answer 5

I tend to find cognitive or behaviorist approaches the most theoretically satisfying, particularly those with solid grounding in physiology.

Beyond that, I would say that any method that can be shown to help patients should be used (within ethical limits), regardless of its theoretical soundness.

More importantly, if you are thinking of practicing, you must remember that the theoretical orientation of the therapist is of lesser importance beside the patient's motivation to solve his or her problems. Highly motivated patients will tend to respond well to therapy, unmotivated patients tend not to. The theories espoused by the therapist are not the biggest factor.

Answer 6

from experience "tell the person what your thoughts are and then get that person to present their own side" best way to get yourself straight is to have a pro tell you then see if it makes sense. too many people will not accept they have a problem and untill they do...they cant be helped! been there done that...took me almost a lifetime to face my demons within.

Answer 7

I support the straightforward approach.

"Hello, Darlin' - get your knickers off!"