Components Of A Psychology Study

Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes (Rathus, 2010, p.4). It is because of psychology that we can figure out why we do the things we do or respond the way we do to things or think a certain way. These are all types of things that are studied in psychology. Psychology is often used to figure out not only yourself but also others and gives you the opportunity to better understand both sides of it. There are many different theories or statements that attempt to explain why things at the way they are and why they happen the way the do (Rathus, 2010, p.7). Some important concepts that we talked about this semester that really relate to my life are motivation and emotions and adolescence.
It is said that our drives …show more content…
This idea can be seen at the forefront of our lives as we all have something that we have a drive to achieve or succeed in. As according to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs we are all searching for a sense of self-actualization or the need to become what one believes he or she is capable of being (Rathus, 2010, p.366-367). This has always been something that’s been important and I always strive to be the best version of myself, I feel like I’m letting myself down if I don’t. I believe that I have a high achievement motivation as I am usually driven to get ahead, to tackle challenging situations, and to meet high personal standards of success (Rathus, 2010, p.375). I usually set very high expectations for myself in the things that I do, this can be a good thing as I set out to reach this challenge but it can also add more pressure to myself. The more I have invested in or enjoy the challenge the more drive I have to rise to the occasion and achieve what I want to achieve. I have always pushed myself to reach the goals I have set for myself. There have been many goals I have set for myself over the years. I have continued to remain and A-B student in school and we have performed very well over the last few years of odyssey. I have also finally achieved my goal of …show more content…
Along with all the physical changes adolescence also brings a quest for independence as teenagers look for greater freedoms (Rathus, 2010, p.312). I have always been more independent but I have gained more freedoms as I’ve grown up. As a child I never liked being held and I enjoyed playing by myself. This independence has transferred into adolescence as well as I still enjoy doing things by my self and love having “me” time. Over time I’ve started spending less time with family and more time doing things on my own or with friends. It is often a stereotype that during adolescence teens rebel against and fight with their parents all the time. This is not always the case in fact most teens have a lasting bond with their parents and those that do tend to fair better in school and have fewer adjustment problems (Rathus, 2010, p.312). I am luckily someone who has continued to have a lasting bond with both of my parents. We have a relationship built on respect because of this I have more freedom and that freedom is given as long as I continue to show them respect. If I do something to break that respect then they pull back on the freedom they give me. This is a system that works well in our household and has allowed us to keep that bond. Throughout adolescence friendships also become more important. This is very true for me, as I have grown to value my friendships even more