An Overview Of Four Popular Psychological Theories

There have been hundreds of psychological theories developed throughout the years. Theories in psychology are often created to get people thinking to lead future studies on mental health. No two theories are exactly alike, which can make it fun to look at the theories from the past and how they connect to the present. Some of the most profound psychological theories in the world have altered the course of psychological research. 

Before reviewing various psychology theories, it may be helpful to understand what psychological theories are. Often, these theories attempt to describe behavioral patterns and predict how they may change in the future. Psychology theories can help people understand ideas on human personality, conduct, thoughts, feelings, and urges. However, theories are not necessarily "fact" and may require studies and clinical trials to be fully proven. 

Everyone is different, and while specific psychology theories may connect to one person or group, they could be inapplicable to others, which is why they are theories. While these theories can be valuable resources for understanding yourself and others, try to take them subjectively. A psychological theory can provide a framework for analyzing behavior to help you understand your brain. However, if you're looking for solidified facts, look at meta-analyses and peer-reviewed studies for guidance.

Popular theories of human behavior

According to the journal Nature, “Human behaviour refers to the way humans act and interact. It is based on and influenced by several factors, such as genetic make-up, culture and individual values and attitudes”. Over the years, experts in psychology—from Sigmund Freud to Abraham Maslow—have sought to understand the various ways these factors influence us. The following psychological theories are popular and have been used as templates for study, observation, and speculation. While there may be supportive and conflicting evidence to support some psychological theories, the following examples are often cited in research and therapeutic modalities. 

The attachment theory

The attachment theory asserts that a secure attachment to a caregiver allows young people and adults to develop healthily. Psychologists John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth developed attachment theories based on childhood development observations.

Because of his work and studies, Bowlby maintained that children whose parents met their needs would often have an easier time embracing new experiences and seeking adventure. Children whose parents did not meet their needs would develop insecure attachment styles, which could last into adulthood. 

The social learning theory

The social learning theory states that people learn from others by watching and imitating what they are routinely exposed to. This theory is often well-accepted in Western society. It may be reflected by pop culture sentiments like, "Products of their environments" or "like attracts like." 

Several factors go into observing and imitating the behavior of others. These factors include attention, retention, and motivation. It may be challenging to learn from others if one is distracted, preoccupied, or not paying attention. Retention can also be paramount to the social learning theory because memory is part of learning to mimic others. The human mind observes countless actions daily, so people may often pick out the memories that connect them to others. 

Motivation is also cited in this theory. Attention and retention can be beneficial, but the social learning theory can fall short without motivation. Individuals observe and remember various behaviors but do not always want to follow suit, which may be healthy. For one to feel motivated, one may have to believe that it will yield a positive outcome or prevent a negative one. If both factors are missing, the likelihood of the behavior being replicated by the observer could decrease. 

The social learning theory may also be open for debate. Critics might assert that not everyone is surrounded by people who are on the same path as them. For instance, someone who wants to go into business for themselves but has never met a business owner may have to make decisions based on instinct and learn from trial and error. There are many situations in life where learning from others is hindered by a mental health condition or neurodivergence. In addition, some of the most famous inventors have used innovation and new ideas to develop a product or solution that others haven't thought of, which can take a degree of independence. 

The self-verification theory

The self-verification theory states that humans want to be observed by others in a manner that reflects their feelings of self. For instance, someone who believes they are intelligent, talented, and hard-working might also aim for others to see them in this manner. This theory might apply to positive self-image and high self-esteem. For example, someone who believes they are confident may want someone else to see the same in them. 

Despite the merits and conditional supporting evidence of the self-verification theory, it might fail to explain how these principles relate to low self-esteem and low self-worth. People who experience self-loathing may want others to see them in a better light than they see themselves. For example, insecure people may try to conceal their insecurity by acting in ways they expect are socially acceptable. 

Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs

Abraham Maslow created the hierarchy of needs pyramid in the 1940s to explain what he believed each human needed to survive, experience pleasure, and experience self-actualization. The pyramid was organized from bottom to top as follows: 

• Survival needs: Sleep, breathing, food, water, sex, homeostasis, excretion 

• Safety needs: Security, employment, money, family, health, and assets 

• Love and belonging needs: Family, romance, intimacy, friendship, and community 

• Esteem needs: Self-esteem, confidence, respect, trust, and achievement 

• Self-actualization: Self-acceptance, self-compassion, acceptance, creativity, spontaneity, and an open mind 

Maslow's pyramid has been criticized and expanded on since its development. Still, many people relate to the hierarchy and find it helpful in understanding what they value and want to focus on. 

Piaget’s theory of cognitive development 

In the early 20th century, Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget began creating a new framework for understanding the way children learn. Piaget was one of the eminent psychologists embracing cognitive constructivism, which held that knowledge is built on pre-existing cognitive structures. According to Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, children experience four distinct stages of learning. Based on his findings that young children tend to learn by engaging with their surroundings, Piaget helped foster the still-popular notion that active discovery learning environments play an important role in early life education. 

Piaget’s theory influenced the field of developmental psychology significantly. Later models that sought to explain the development of fundamental mental abilities borrowed from Piaget’s framework. For example, in Lawrence Kohlberg’s theory of moral development, moral reasoning in children is established over six stages, starting with deference to an external moral authority.  

Factor theory of intelligence

The factor theory of intelligence posits that there are multiple factors that contribute to an individual’s intelligence. Charles Spearman, for example, developed the two factors theory of intelligence, based on the factor analysis approach to empirical research, which he was the first to use in a psychological context. The two factors of intelligence, according to Spearman, are general and specific abilities. General abilities, also called the g factor, refer to an individual’s broad mental faculties. Specific abilities, called the s factor, depend on the task an individual is performing. 

At about the same time that Spearman was retiring, Louis Leon Thurstone was developing an alternative theory. Thurstone’s multiple factor theory built on the factorial analysis method devised by Spearman. His eventual multiple factor pattern involved seven different abilities: verbal comprehension, word fluency, number facility, spatial visualization, associative memory, perceptual speed, and reasoning.

A final word on psychological theory

Different psychology theories apply to various individuals, situations, and circumstances differently. Psychological theories may be subjective but could be worthwhile in the professional world. Studying one theory may lead to the birth of another theory, generate improvements to an existing theory, or clarify a somewhat ambiguous concept. It may also help you identify why you might feel, think, or behave as you do. 

Psychological theories aren't a "thing of the past," either. These ideas are crafted and observed by researchers, psychologists, therapists, and psychiatrists hoping to change the world. Reading books and publications by up-and-coming psychologists might allow you to learn more about the theories and ideas being developed in today's world that may be popular and well-known in the future. 

Counseling options 

If you want to understand your inner psychology better, speaking with a mental health professional, like a therapist, may be beneficial. Online therapy may be ideal if you're new to therapy or face barriers to treatment in your location, like cost or availability.  

Research supports the efficacy of online therapy, too. One review found that online therapy effectively treated mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Even if you aren't living with a mental illness, getting in touch with your mind and how it impacts your life may make achieving your goals more attainable.

If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.

Anyone can see a therapist; online therapy offers unique resources you might not find in person. For example, you may use an online journaling tool, receive downloadable worksheets, or attend webinars by experts in the psychological field to learn about modern research and theories.