Section C
Naturalistic Functionalism
Naturalistic functionalism is a psychological theory that emphasizes understanding mental states based on their functional roles in the human mind. It argues that mental processes can be analyzed in terms of their functions and the causal relationships between different mental states, rather than by focusing on their internal structure.
Mental Health as Positive or Spiritual Emotions
Mental health, when viewed through the lens of positive or spiritual emotions, focuses on well-being, self-actualization, and emotional harmony. It highlights the importance of positive feelings like joy, gratitude, and love, alongside spiritual experiences that contribute to mental resilience, personal growth, and overall life satisfaction.
Mesmerism
Mesmerism, developed by Franz Anton Mesmer in the 18th century, is a theory of healing based on the idea of a magnetic fluid that flows through the body. Mesmer believed that disturbances in this fluid caused illness, and his technique of “mesmerizing” involved using magnets or hand movements to restore balance and health.
The Social Unconscious
The social unconscious refers to the hidden psychological forces in society that shape individual behavior, thoughts, and emotions. It encompasses collective social dynamics, cultural influences, and shared unconscious patterns that impact individuals’ actions, often outside of their conscious awareness, influencing group behavior and societal norms.
Neurotic Needs Given by Horney
Karen Horney identified ten neurotic needs, which are exaggerated desires for affection, approval, power, and control. These needs are coping mechanisms for anxiety and are maladaptive, leading to unhealthy interpersonal relationships. They include needs for affection, success, self-sufficiency, and domination, which can hinder psychological growth.
Human Need Given by Erich Fromm
Erich Fromm’s human needs theory emphasizes the fundamental human need for relatedness, transcendence, rootedness, sense of identity, and frame of orientation. Fromm argued that people strive to fulfill these needs through productive work, love, and connection to society. Failure to meet these needs can lead to isolation or dysfunction.
Hypnotism
Hypnotism is a trance-like state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility, often accompanied by deep relaxation. It is used therapeutically to address various psychological issues, including pain management, stress reduction, and behavioral modification. Hypnosis induces changes in perception and can help individuals access unconscious thoughts and memories.
Intermittent Schedule of Reinforcement
An intermittent schedule of reinforcement involves reinforcing a behavior only some of the time, rather than every time it occurs. This schedule creates more resistant behavior patterns, as individuals are unsure when the reinforcement will occur. Examples include variable-ratio and variable-interval reinforcement schedules, which are effective in maintaining long-term behavior.
Criticism of Humanistic Model
The humanistic model, though praised for its emphasis on individual growth, self-actualization, and positive psychology, faces criticism for being overly idealistic and lacking empirical evidence. Critics argue that it neglects social and environmental factors, and its focus on subjective experiences may not always be applicable across diverse cultures and contexts.
Existentialism
Existentialism is a philosophical movement that focuses on individual freedom, choice, and the search for meaning in an inherently meaningless world. It emphasizes personal responsibility, authentic existence, and the anxiety that comes with confronting one’s own existence, mortality, and the burden of creating purpose in life.
