Gestalt Psychology
Free Research Papers Gestalt Psychology
This essay will explore the nature of learning from different approaches in psychology. Furthermore, the ways in which learning might affect health and well-being will be investigated. This will be carried out by examining different treatments, in an attempt to reveal the use of learning as part of these treatments.
Initially, key terms will be defined. Subsequently, learning will be discussed from the perspectives of the behavioural approach, the social approach and the biological approach, all of which represent different psychology perspectives. Following this, Gestalt therapy, psychoanalytical psychodynamic psychotherapy (PPP) and naturopathy will be considered as treatments, in which learning plays an essential part. Finally, there will be a reflection on what has preceded, followed by a conclusion.
The terms `learning', `health' and `well-being' require definition. Smith et al define `learning' as `relatively permanent change in behaviour that occurs as the result of experience' (2003, p.233). Gross states that `learning is a hypothetical construct: it cannot be directly observed, but only inferred from observable behaviour' (2005, p.171). There are several definitions of the term `health'. In this essay the World Health Organisation definition will be used. `Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity' (WHO, 2006, p.1). Whereas, `well-being refers to how good, desirable and enjoyable life as a whole is felt by the person in question. In this sense, it is a subjective feeling, something felt or experienced' (Chatterji, S. et al, 2002, p.15).
Having defined key terms, the first point of discussion will be to view learning from different perspectives of psychology. Firstly, learning will be explored from the behavioural perspective. According to this approach, behaviour is influenced by the environment (Gross, 2005). The key idea is that the
This essay will explore the nature of learning from different approaches in psychology. Furthermore, the ways in which learning might affect health and well-being will be investigated. This will be carried out by examining different treatments, in an attempt to reveal the use of learning as part of these treatments.
Initially, key terms will be defined. Subsequently, learning will be discussed from the perspectives of the behavioural approach, the social approach and the biological approach, all of which represent different psychology perspectives. Following this, Gestalt therapy, psychoanalytical psychodynamic psychotherapy (PPP) and naturopathy will be considered as treatments, in which learning plays an essential part. Finally, there will be a reflection on what has preceded, followed by a conclusion.
The terms `learning', `health' and `well-being' require definition. Smith et al define `learning' as `relatively permanent change in behaviour that occurs as the result of experience' (2003, p.233). Gross states that `learning is a hypothetical construct: it cannot be directly observed, but only inferred from observable behaviour' (2005, p.171). There are several definitions of the term `health'. In this essay the World Health Organisation definition will be used. `Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity' (WHO, 2006, p.1). Whereas, `well-being refers to how good, desirable and enjoyable life as a whole is felt by the person in question. In this sense, it is a subjective feeling, something felt or experienced' (Chatterji, S. et al, 2002, p.15).
Having defined key terms, the first point of discussion will be to view learning from different perspectives of psychology. Firstly, learning will be explored from the behavioural perspective. According to this approach, behaviour is influenced by the environment (Gross, 2005). The key idea is that the