Question

Dr. Marco explains to a client that his feelings of hostility toward a coworker are most likely caused by the way the client interprets the coworker's actions and the way he thinks that people should behave at work. Dr. Marco is most likely working from what perspective? (A) behavioral (B) cognitive (C) psychoanalytic (D) humanist (E) social-cultural

Short answer

Dr. Marco is most likely working from the cognitive perspective.

Step-by-step solution

- Understanding the psychological perspectives

A cognitive psychological perspective suggests that human emotions, behaviors, and thoughts are shaped by their interpretation of events and their environment. Behavioural perspective focuses on observable behaviors. The psychoanalytic perspective proposes that human behavior and personality are shaped by unconscious psychological forces, while the humanist perspective focuses on individual self-actualization and personal growth. The social-cultural perspective emphasizes the role of social and cultural influences on human behavior and mental processes.

- Identify the appropriate perspective

Dr. Marco discusses the client's feelings stemming from his interpretation of the coworker's actions and how people should behave at the workplace. Thus, it focuses on the client's interpretation or thought processes which is the key focus of a cognitive perspective.

Key concepts

Psychological Perspectives

When we delve into the field of psychology, we encounter a variety of frameworks that aim to explain human behavior and mental processes. These frameworks are often referred to as psychological perspectives. Each perspective offers a unique lens through which psychologists can analyze and address different psychological phenomena. The cognitive perspective, as highlighted in our exercise, posits that individuals' internal processing of information shapes their emotions, behaviors, and thoughts. It's akin to a computer processing data; humans receive external stimuli, interpret this information based on past experiences and cognitive structures, and then produce a response.

Other perspectives, such as the behavioral, psychoanalytic, humanist, and social-cultural, take alternative viewpoints. The behavioral perspective focuses on the external behaviors of individuals and the processes of learning; the psychoanalytic perspective dives into the unconscious mind influencing behavior; the humanist perspective centers on the individual's capacity for growth and self-actualization; and the social-cultural perspective examines the effects of society and culture on individual psychology. Understanding these perspectives is crucial for students as they provide the foundation for analyzing complex mental and behavioral processes.

Interpretation of Events

At the core of the cognitive perspective is the interpretation of events. This process involves how an individual understands and gives meaning to the occurrences in their environment. Dr. Marco's case study is a perfect example. The client's hostility isn't seen as an automatic response to objective events. Instead, it's viewed as a result of personal interpretation of the coworker's actions.

Interpreting events can be influenced by a myriad of factors, including personal beliefs, motivations, previous experiences, and cultural contexts. These interpretations then directly impact one's emotions and subsequent behaviors. For students, recognizing the profound impact of interpretation helps in understanding their own behaviors and those of others. It empowers them with a tool for self-analysis and encourages empathy by considering different interpretive frameworks used by individuals.

Human Behavior and Thought Processes

When psychologists apply the cognitive perspective, they are particularly interested in the intricate workings of human behavior and thought processes. This entails dissecting how thoughts influence behaviors and, conversely, how actions can impact thoughts. Thoughts are not just fleeting ideas; they are systematic, organized patterns that are dynamically linked to our actions. This relationship forms a feedback loop where thoughts influence actions, and the outcomes of those actions further revise our thoughts.

In the textbook exercise, Dr. Marco's focus on the client's personal cognitive processes - how the client's thoughts about workplace behavior shape his feelings of hostility - shows us just how entangled thoughts and behaviors are. For students grappling with cognitive psychology, it's important to appreciate the significance of internal thought processes. These are not just reactive, but proactive and influential, often setting the stage for behaviors and emotions. Understanding this can lead to more effective strategies for coping with personal challenges and interpersonal conflicts.