Behavioral psychology (behaviorism) is a field of psychology aimed at studying observed behavior and the mental processes associated with it in a stimulus-response environment. Other psychological theories study consciousness. This is the only psychological theory that applies a research method that meets the requirements of the scientific method. Psychological theories that study consciousness by self-observation are esoteric.
Behavioral psychologists are convinced that behavior directly depends on external stimuli and the consequences of actions. They use scientific methods to study how humans and animals learn and behave in different situations. They build psychological practice on the basis of behavioral patterns identified in the course of scientific experiments, which have the status of laws of behavior.
Areas of application of behavioral psychology:
- Education.Behavioral principles can be used to improve learning effectiveness.
- Business. Behavioral analysis provides an accurate diagnosis of the economic and psychological state of an enterprise. Behavioral principles can be used to increase employee productivity and motivation, organize operational monitoring of ongoing processes, and introduce principles of self-stimulation of high labor productivity into enterprise management.
- Psychological counseling. Solving clients’ psychological problems through counseling and learning new behaviors.
- Healthcare. Behavioral methods are used to treat a wide range of health problems in the nation.
- Politics and public administration. The best methods of social design, implementation, monitoring and stimulation of social projects are behavioral.
- Sports. Behavioral methods of shaping the psyche of a champion in professional sports are the best to date. Highly effective behavioral teaching of discipline and strong-willed qualities.
What is practical behavioral psychology?
Practical behavioral psychology (practical behavioral psychology) is one of the leading areas of modern psychology. It is based on the theory of learning, as well as on the principles of classical and operant conditioning.
The basic idea is based on the idea that psychological problems arise as a result of incorrectly formed skills.
The goal of behavioral learning is to normalize the type of targeted behavior that causes problems. Developing skills and behavioral habits that are useful to the client through learning.
Learning is most successfully used in severe cognitive, emotional, and behavioral psychological disorders requiring behavior change.
The scientific basis of behavioral psychology is the theory of behaviorism.
Basic principles of behavior management in behavioral psychology:
- Classical conditioning (learning). People are able to make connections between events, and these learning qualities shape new behaviors through classical conditioning.
- Operant conditioning (learning). Behavior change through positive and negative reinforcement.
- Biological feedback methods.
- Methods of social copying.
Что делает психолог на консультации?
На консультации психолог выполняет следующие задачи:
- Знакомится с клиентом. Представляется сам, рассказывает о правилах совместной работы и, если потребуется, заключает контракт.
- Собирает информацию. Задаёт вопросы, а клиент отвечает на них. При этом, возможно, нужно будет записать некоторые факты.
- Создаёт план психологической помощи. Составляет набор упражнений по методикам.
- Оказывает психологическую помощь. Реализует намеченный план.
- Даёт домашнее задание. Для обучения новому поведению клиент необходимо работать и самостоятельно, реализуя программу психологической помощи.
- Этика поведенческого психолога.
В процессе беседы психолог выстраивает предварительную гипотезу относительно того, что могло привести к проблеме. Объясняя гипотезу клиенту, добивается получения четкого осмысленного запроса на изменения поведения. Психолог понимает, что советы не оказывают большого влияния на поведение клиента и если фиксируется поведенческое расстройство, использует тренинги, реально изменяющие поведение.
What does a behavioral psychologist do when teaching new behaviors?
A behavioral psychologist conducts the following activities:
- Functional analysis of customer behavior. At this stage, a list of maladaptive patterns of problematic client behavior is compiled. Each pattern is examined: when does it appear, in what environment, under what circumstances, how long does it last, and what consequences does it lead to? What is the incentive for this reaction?
- Drawing up a learning plan. The main purpose of learning is to teach correct behavior. A plan is being drawn up that implies a consistent change in behavior by normalizing problematic patterns.
- Control over the process of learning new behavior. At this stage, it is important to notice the difficulties that the client is facing and his motivation problems. Usually, if a client fails to complete a difficult task, it is replaced with an easier one, and they also make sure that the client understands the importance of doing the exercises.
- Completion of training. Behavioral learning ends with learning self-control skills.
In what situations do they turn to a psychologist?
Some situations in which it is worth contacting a psychologist:
- · Toxic relationships
- Fears and anxiety states.
- Desire for self-development and personal growth.
- Emotional imbalance, irritability.
- Apathy, loss of interest in life, chronic fatigue.
- Self-doubt, difficulty making decisions.
- Emotional experiences and difficulties of adaptation in difficult life situations (disasters, illnesses, life crises, permanent stress).
- Injuries and losses (of a loved one, health, physical integrity, values, freedom, etc.).
- Dissatisfaction with one’s own life, search for meaning.
- Family conflicts (intergenerational, child-parent, between partners, between children, etc.).
- Loneliness.
- A change in the usual way of life and related experiences and difficulties of adaptation (relocation, dismissal, retirement, divorce).
- Bad habits, behavior, out-of-control impulsive actions, obsessive thoughts and actions (including those related to weight control).
It is worth contacting a psychologist if the condition or symptoms last a long time, manifest themselves regularly and interfere with life, communication, work or study.
The advantages of contacting a psychologist.
Some advantages of contacting a psychologist:
- Emotional support. A psychologist will help you deal with emotions, cope with anxiety, stress or depression, and find effective strategies to improve your well-being.
- The development of self-awareness. Working with a psychologist will help you get to know yourself better, your needs, values, and motivations.
- Improving relationships. Psychological counseling can help resolve conflicts, improve communication, and strengthen relationships with significant others in life.
- Stress management. A psychologist will help you develop stress and anxiety management strategies that will help you cope with everyday problems and difficulties.
- Personal growth development. Psychological work can be a powerful tool for personal development.
- Help in making decisions. Psychological counseling will help you better understand your goals, desires, and preferences, which will allow you to make more informed and informed decisions.
- Improving self-esteem. Working with a psychologist will help you develop a more positive attitude towards yourself, increase self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Problem solving skills training. Behavioral learning and counseling will allow you to learn various skills and problem-solving strategies.
- Support for changes. A psychologist can help you successfully overcome a period of change and development in your life.
Who exactly should I contact for psychological help?
To receive psychological help, you can contact different specialists, depending on the specific problems and circumstances.
A psychiatrist is a doctor specializing in the treatment of mental illnesses of varying degrees of complexity, as well as less serious diseases such as neuroses and various kinds of addictions. He evaluates not only the mental, but also the physical condition of the patient.
A psychotherapist is a specialist with basic medical education, psychiatric training, and retraining in psychotherapy. If necessary, he can make a diagnosis and prescribe medications to a specific patient, but prefers psychotherapeutic methods of work in his work.
Psychologist – A behavioral psychologist resolves psychological queries using the method of learning. In some cases, working with a psychologist is safer than medical treatment in terms of the possible occurrence of medical supervision, which is mandatory in medicine for mental health problems. If a doctor diagnoses severe deviations from the psychological norm, serious unpleasant changes may occur in your social status.
There are also many free forms of psychological assistance: helplines, crisis centers, support groups for drug addicts, and so on.
