Module 1: Introduction to Psychology
1.2. Basic methods and approaches in psychology

1. PSYCHOANALYSIS

Psychoanalysis is a theory of personality and a method of psychotherapy developed by Sigmund Freud. It suggests that our behavioral and emotional lives are determined by unconscious motivations and conflicts that form in childhood. Psychoanalysts use a variety of techniques, such as free association, dream interpretation, and childhood analysis, to help people understand their unconscious thoughts and feelings and solve their problems.

The main provisions of psychoanalysis:

1. The unconscious. Psychoanalysis claims that our behavior and emotions are determined not only by conscious factors, but also by unconscious motives and conflicts that form in childhood.

2. Childhood injuries. Psychoanalysis believes that childhood traumas and conflicts that we are not aware of have a strong impact on our personality and behavior in adulthood.

3. Free association. The main method of psychoanalysis is free association, where the patient speaks about their thoughts and feelings uncensored in order to reveal unconscious motives and conflicts.

4. Interpretation of dreams. Psychoanalysis believes that dreams have hidden meanings and may reflect unconscious conflicts and desires. Analyzing your dreams helps you understand these hidden motivations.

5. Transfer service. Psychoanalysis pays great attention to the phenomenon of transfer - the transfer of feelings and relationships to parents to the psychoanalyst, which helps to reveal unconscious conflicts and relationships.

6. Split personality. Psychoanalysis believes that the personality consists of different parts that may be in conflict with each other. The goal of psychoanalysis is to achieve the unity and integrity of the individual.

7. Treatment through conflict resolution. The main task of psychoanalysis is to help the patient understand and resolve unconscious conflicts and traumas in order to achieve mental balance and better functioning in life.

2. BEHAVIORAL PSYCHOLOGY

Behavioral psychology is an approach that focuses on the study of the relationship between behavior and external stimuli. It assumes that our behavior is shaped by experience and learning, rather than internal factors such as thoughts and feelings. Behavioral psychologists use techniques such as classical and operant conditions to study and change people's behavior. In 1913, the American researcher John Watson published a program article "Psychology through the eyes of a behaviorist". In this work, he criticized modern psychology, which focuses on trying to understand the inner nature of thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Having defined the following provisions for the behavioral approach:

1. The main focus is on behavior. Behavioral psychology focuses on the study of observed behavior and its impact on the environment.

2. Empirical approach. Behavioral psychology takes an empirical approach based on observation and experimentation to study behavior and its causes.

3. Conditioned reflexes. Behavioral psychology believes that behavior is formed through learning and the formation of conditioned reflexes, which arise as a result of associations between stimuli and reactions.

4. Reinforcement learning. Behavioral psychology states that behavior can be changed or reinforced through reinforcement-reward or punishment.

5. Learning through simulation. Behavioral psychology also holds to the idea that people can learn through observing and imitating other people.

6. Focus on measurable results. Behavioral psychology focuses on achieving specific and measurable outcomes, such as changing behavior or acquiring new skills.

7. Treatment through behavior change. The main goal of behavioral psychology is to help people change their behavior in order to achieve the desired results and overcome problems.

3. GESTALT APPROACH

The Gestalt approach is a theory that focuses on the study of the integrity and organization of human experience. He suggests that we perceive the world not as separate elements, but as integral structures and forms. Gestalt therapy uses techniques such as the double chair experiment and dream work to help people understand their emotions and restore the integrity of their personality. Gestalt psychology was founded by psychologists M. Wertheimer, V. Koehler, K. Koffka and neurologist K. who worked in Berlin (another name for Gestalt psychology is the Berlin school) and in Frankfurt am Main. By Goldstein. The formation of their views was significantly influenced by the philosophical concepts of I. Kant, F. Brentano and E. Husserl, as well as natural science and mathematical theories, primarily field theory in modern physics. The Gestalt approach has a number of its own provisions:

1. Mindfulness. The gestalt approach focuses on mindfulness - a person's ability to perceive and understand themselves and the world around them.

2. Integrity. The main principle of the gestalt approach is integrity, that is, all elements of the system are interconnected and affect each other.

3. Here and now. The gestalt approach adheres to the idea that we should focus on the present moment and rely on our feelings and emotions.

4. Experimental approach. The gestalt approach uses an experimental approach to study humans and their interactions with the environment.

5. Interaction. The gestalt approach believes that people interact with the world around them through their feelings, thoughts, and emotions.

6. The "here and now" principle. The main goal of the gestalt approach is to help people become aware of their emotions and needs in the present moment and accept them in order to achieve better psychological well-being.

7. The principle of "human-environment interaction". The gestalt approach pays great attention to human interaction with the environment and considers them as a single system.

5. HUMANISTIC PSYCHOLOGY

Humanistic psychology is an approach that focuses on the study of personal growth and self-fulfillment. It assumes that everyone has the potential for development and self-actualization, and that we can reach our full potential if we receive support and understanding from others. Humanistic psychologists use techniques such as indirect approach and working with values to help people reach their potential and achieve personal growth. The school of thought of humanistic psychology was developed by a key figure, Abraham Maslow, in the 1950s during the humanist movement. It became popular in the 1950s due to the process of awareness and expression of one's own capabilities and creative abilities.

1. The central importance of personality. Humanistic psychology considers personality as the central object of study and adheres to the idea that each person is unique and has its own potential for development.

2. Self-actualization. One of the main ideas of humanistic psychology is the concept of self - actualization, that is, a person's desire to realize their potential and achieve their own happiness.

3. Value attitude towards a person. Humanistic psychology adheres to a value-based attitude towards a person, considering him a unique and valuable being who deserves respect and support.

4. Focus on the positive aspects of the individual. Unlike other areas of psychology, where the emphasis is on problems and shortcomings, humanistic psychology pays great attention to the positive aspects of the individual and its potential for development.

5. Self-realization. Humanistic psychology believes that every person has a need for self-realization, that is, in achieving their potential and realizing their goals and desires.

6. Self-knowledge. Humanistic psychology recognizes the importance of self-knowledge for personal development and helps people understand their needs, values, and goals.

7. Focus on the present moment. Humanistic psychology pays great attention to the present moment and encourages people to focus on the present in order to achieve better psychological well-being.

8. The need for a positive attitude towards yourself. Humanistic psychology emphasizes the importance of a positive attitude towards oneself and encourages people to accept and love themselves for who they are.

9. Support and empathy. Humanistic psychology believes that anyone deserves support and empathy, and pays great attention to these aspects in working with clients.

10. The goal is to achieve happiness and well-being. The main goal of humanistic psychology is to help people achieve happiness and psychological well-being by realizing and developing their potential and values.

6. SYSTEMS PSYCHOLOGY

Systems psychology is an approach that focuses on the study of interactions between people and their environment. It assumes that our personality is formed as a result of interaction with other people and systems, such as family, work, or society. Systems psychologists use techniques such as family therapy and group dynamics to help people understand and change their relationships with the world around them. It is inspired by systems theory and systems thinking and is based on the theoretical work of Roger Barker, Gregory Bateson, Umberto Maturana and others. Groups and individuals are considered as systems that are in homeostasis. Alternative terms here are "systems psychology", "system behavior", and "system psychology".

In systems psychology, the following main provisions are distinguished:

1. A systematic approach. Systems psychology considers personality as a complex system that includes the interaction of various elements, such as thoughts, feelings, behavior, and the environment.

2. Interaction. Systems psychology pays great attention to the interaction between a person and his environment, as well as the interaction between different aspects of personality.

3. Integrity. Systems psychology believes that personality cannot be understood separately from its environment and context, so it is important to consider it as a complete system.

4. The influence of the environment. Systems psychology recognizes the importance of the influence of the environment on personality and its development, as well as on the interaction between people.

5. Self-regulation. Systems psychology focuses on self-regulation of the individual, that is, the ability to control one's thoughts, feelings, and behavior to achieve desired goals.

6. Communication. Systems psychology believes that communication is a key aspect of interaction between people and influences the formation and change of personality.

7. Adaptation. Systems psychology emphasizes the importance of individual adaptation to changing environmental conditions and considers it as a process of constant interaction between a person and his environment.

8. Hierarchy. Systems psychology recognizes that personality consists of different levels that interact with each other and influence its structure.

9. Self-organization. Systems psychology believes that a person has the ability to self-organize, that is, to independently search for solutions and adapt to changing conditions.

10. The goal is to achieve harmony and balance. The main goal of systems psychology is to help people achieve harmony and balance in their interaction with the environment and themselves.

7. EXISTENTIAL PSYCHOLOGY

Existential psychology is an approach that focuses on the study of the meaning of life and human existence. It assumes that each person is faced with questions about their existence and the need to find meaning in life. Existential psychologists use techniques such as working with a personal moral code and finding meaning in life to help people understand their existential questions and concerns. Its founder was W. Frankl, who personally checked all existing methods. With them, Frankl helped people understand what they live for and find a way out of the most difficult situations.

Accordingly, the following provisions are distinguished:

1. Focus on individual experience. Existential psychology believes that each person is unique and their experience is the basis for understanding their personality.

2. Pain and suffering as an integral part of life. Existential psychology recognizes that pain and suffering are an integral part of life and are necessary for personal growth and development.

3. Freedom of choice. Existential psychology emphasizes the importance of freedom of choice and believes that everyone has the ability to make decisions and influence their lives.

4. Responsibility for your actions. Existential psychology recognizes the responsibility of each person for their actions and the consequences that they may have.

5. The meaning of life. Existential psychology emphasizes the importance of finding meaning in life and believes that each person must find their own path to happiness and satisfaction.

6. The desire for self-realization. Existential psychology believes that everyone has the potential for growth and self-realization, and its task is to help them discover their capabilities.

7. Authenticity. Existential psychology emphasizes the importance of being authentic and sincere in your thoughts, feelings, and actions.

8. Social influence. Existential psychology recognizes the impact of society and culture on the individual, but also emphasizes the individual's individuality and ability to resist social norms and expectations.

9. Self-knowledge. Existential psychology believes that self-knowledge is key to understanding yourself and your life, as well as to achieving personal growth.

10. The goal is to achieve integrity and harmony. The main goal of existential psychology is to help a person achieve wholeness and harmony in their life by taking responsibility for their actions and finding meaning in their existence.