Psychological theories and perspectives have long influenced various fields, including healthcare, education, and business (Adams et al., 2019). Understanding how major schools of psychological thought inform professional behavior is crucial for professionals to provide effective and evidence-based services. In this report, we will explore how a major school of psychological thought, cognitive psychology, informs professional behavior in a real-world setting, particularly in the context of nursing. We will analyze the major events that have affected the development of cognitive psychology, how other schools of thought have influenced it, and the cultural influences that have shaped this school of thought. Furthermore, we will examine how knowledge of cognitive psychology informs professional behavior in nursing, providing examples of how it can be applied in practice. By the end of this report, we hope to demonstrate the practical applications of cognitive psychology in shaping professional behavior and providing better care to patients.

Events Affecting the Development of School Thought

The Cognitive Revolution (1950s-1960s)

This period marked a shift in psychology from behaviorism to cognitive psychology. It was characterized by the development of new methods for studying mental processes, such as computer simulations and information processing models (Mandal, 2021). The Cognitive Revolution provided a foundation for cognitive psychology as a school of thought and emphasized the importance of studying mental processes in understanding human behavior (Mandal, 2021).

Information Processing Theory (1960s-1970s)

This theory proposed that the human mind can be compared to a computer, and that mental processes such as perception, attention, and memory can be understood as information processing (Sayood, 2018). Information processing theory provided a framework for studying mental processes and understanding how they influence behavior.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (1960s-present)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapeutic approach that combines cognitive psychology and behaviorism. It focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors to improve mental health. CBT has been widely used in the treatment of various mental disorders and has had a significant impact on the field of psychology (American Psychological Association, 2017).

Neuroscience and Cognitive Psychology (1990s-present)

The development of new technologies such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has allowed researchers to study the brain and its role in cognitive processes (Loued-Khenissi et al., 2018). This has led to a greater understanding of how the brain processes information and has influenced the development of cognitive psychology as a field.

Impact of Other Schools of Thought

Behaviorism

Behaviorism was the dominant school of thought in psychology prior to the emergence of cognitive psychology (Bordens & Horowitz, 2018). It emphasized the study of observable behavior rather than mental processes. The influence of behaviorism can be seen in the early development of cognitive psychology, as researchers attempted to measure mental processes through observable behavior. However, cognitive psychology ultimately emerged as a reaction to the limitations of behaviorism and its inability to fully explain human behavior.

Gestalt Psychology

Gestalt psychology emphasized the importance of perception and how individuals organize and make sense of sensory information. This school of thought influenced the development of cognitive psychology by emphasizing the study of mental processes such as perception and attention (Çeliköz et al., 2019). The Gestalt principles of perception, such as figure-ground and similarity, have been applied to various fields, including design and marketing.

Humanistic Psychology

Humanistic psychology emphasizes the importance of subjective experience and the individual’s capacity for personal growth and self-actualization (Seligman, 2019). While not directly influencing the development of cognitive psychology, humanistic psychology has had an impact on the field of counseling and psychotherapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, a widely used approach in psychotherapy that combines cognitive psychology and behaviorism, incorporates some elements of humanistic psychology, such as the importance of the therapeutic relationship.

Evolutionary Psychology

Evolutionary psychology emphasizes the importance of evolutionary processes in shaping human behavior and mental processes (Badcock et al., 2019). This school of thought has had an impact on cognitive psychology by providing insights into how the human mind has evolved to process information and solve problems. Evolutionary psychology has also influenced the study of social cognition, emphasizing the role of social interaction in shaping cognitive processes.

Impact of Other Cultures

Western Culture

As a nurse who has been directly influenced by the field of cognitive psychology, I recognize the impact that cultural factors have had on its development. In the Western world, cognitive psychology has been shaped by the cultural values and beliefs of individualism and rational thinking (Scott, 2020). This focus on the individual has been criticized for neglecting the importance of social and cultural factors in shaping human behavior and mental processes. As a nurse, I recognize the importance of considering cultural factors in patient care and treatment, and how these factors can influence their perceptions and behaviors.

Eastern Culture

At the same time, Eastern cultural practices have also influenced the development of cognitive psychology. As a nurse, I have seen the benefits of integrating mindfulness meditation, a practice originating in Eastern cultures, into cognitive-behavioral therapy for patients (Hazlett-Stevens et al., 2018). This approach emphasizes present-moment awareness and non-judgmental acceptance of thoughts and feelings, aligning with some of the core principles of cognitive psychology. As healthcare professionals, we can draw on the diversity of cultural practices to inform our practice and provide more effective care.

Multiculturalism

As the field of psychology has become more diverse, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of multiculturalism in shaping human behavior and mental processes. As a nurse, I recognize the importance of considering cultural factors in the study of cognition. Researchers have studied how cultural differences in language and thought processes can influence cognitive processes such as perception and attention. By recognizing these cultural influences, we can provide more culturally sensitive care and treatment to our patients, and ensure that their individual experiences and backgrounds are taken into account.

Knowledge of Cognitive Psychology and Professional Behavior

Understanding Cognitive Processes

As a nurse, understanding the cognitive processes that underlie behavior and decision-making can inform my professional behavior in various ways. For example, knowing how cognitive biases can affect clinical judgment can help me be more aware of my own biases and strive for objectivity in patient care (Narayan, 2019). Additionally, understanding how attention and memory processes work can help me communicate more effectively with patients who may have cognitive impairments or memory problems.

Cognitive Behavioral Interventions

Cognitive psychology also informs my use of cognitive-behavioral interventions in patient care. As a nurse, I may use cognitive-behavioral techniques to help patients manage anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. These interventions are based on the principles of cognitive psychology, which emphasizes the role of thoughts and beliefs in shaping behavior (Youn & Marques, 2021). For example, helping a patient identify and challenge negative thoughts can improve their mood and help them develop more positive coping strategies.

Integrating Cultural Factors

As a nurse, it is important to consider cultural factors in patient care. Understanding the cultural influences on cognition can inform professional behavior and help provide more culturally sensitive care. For example, in some cultures, mental health issues may be stigmatized, and patients may be reluctant to seek treatment. Understanding these cultural beliefs can inform how I approach patient care and communication, and help me develop more effective treatment plans.

Applying Cognitive Psychology in Health Education

Finally, as a nurse, understanding cognitive psychology can inform my health education efforts. For example, knowing how to effectively present information and engage patients’ attention and memory can improve the effectiveness of health education interventions (Schmidt & Mamede, 2020). Understanding how cognitive processes work can also help me tailor health education materials to patients’ individual needs and learning styles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding how major schools of psychological thought inform professional behavior is crucial for providing effective and evidence-based services in various fields. In this report, we have explored how cognitive psychology has developed and been influenced by other schools of thought, as well as the cultural factors that shape it. We have also analyzed how knowledge of cognitive psychology informs professional behavior in nursing, providing examples of how it can be applied in practice. From understanding cognitive processes and biases to integrating cultural factors and using cognitive-behavioral interventions, applying the principles of cognitive psychology in professional behavior can improve patient outcomes and provide more effective and individualized care. By recognizing the importance of psychological perspectives in shaping professional behavior, we can continue to improve the quality of services provided to patients in a variety of settings.

References

Adams, G., Estrada-Villalta, S., Sullivan, D., & Markus, H. R. (2019). The Psychology of neoliberalism and the neoliberalism of psychology. Journal of Social Issues, 75(1). https://doi.org/10.1111/josi.12305

American Psychological Association. (2017). What is cognitive behavioral therapy? American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral 

Badcock, P. B., Friston, K. J., Ramstead, M. J. D., Ploeger, A., & Hohwy, J. (2019). The hierarchically mechanistic mind: An evolutionary systems theory of the human brain, cognition, and behavior. Cognitive, Affective, & Behavioral Neuroscience, 19(6), 1319–1351. https://doi.org/10.3758/s13415-019-00721-3 

Bordens, K. S., & Horowitz, I. A. (2018). Social psychology. Psychology Press. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781410604934

Çeliköz, N., Erişen, Y., & Şahin, M. (2019). Cognitive learning theories with emphasis on latent learning, gestalt and information processing theories. Journal of Educational and Instructional Studies in the World, 9(3). https://avesis.yildiz.edu.tr/yayin/b7a5a4ef-a206-40a3-9d57-24891a62903c/cognitive-learning-theories-with-emphasis-on-latent-learning-gestalt-and-information-processing-theories 

Hazlett-Stevens, H., Singer, J., & Chong, A. (2018). Mindfulness-based stress reduction and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy with older adults: A qualitative review of randomized controlled outcome research. Clinical Gerontologist, 42(4). https://doi.org/10.1080/07317115.2018.1518282

PSYC FPX 4100 Assessment 3 How Major Psychological Thought Informs Professional Behavior

Loued-Khenissi, L., Döll, O., & Preuschoff, K. (2018). An overview of functional magnetic resonance imaging techniques for organizational research. Organizational Research Methods, 22(1), 17–45. https://doi.org/10.1177/1094428118802631

Mandal, S. (2021). The Cognitive Revolution. Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Psychological Science, 1(1), 1167–1177. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-19650-3_1309 

Narayan, M. C. (2019). Addressing implicit bias in nursing: A review. AJN, American Journal of Nursing, 119(7), 36–43. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.naj.0000569340.27659.5a

Sayood, K. (2018). Information theory and cognition: A review. Entropy, 20(9), 706. https://doi.org/10.3390/e20090706

Schmidt, H. G., & Mamede, S. (2020). How cognitive psychology changed the face of medical education research. Advances in Health Sciences Education, 25(5), 1025–1043. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10459-020-10011-0

Scott, N. (2020). Cognitive psychology and tourism – surfing the “cognitive wave”: A perspective article. Tourism Review, 75(1), 49–51. https://doi.org/10.1108/tr-06-2019-0217

Seligman, M. E. P. (2019). Positive psychology: A personal history. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 15(1), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-050718-095653

PSYC FPX 4100 Assessment 3 How Major Psychological Thought Informs Professional Behavior

Youn, S. J., & Marques, L. (2021). Cognitive-behavioral strategies to manage anxiety. Psychiatric Annals, 51(5), 207–208. https://doi.org/10.3928/00485713-20210409-04