PSYC 290 Week 1 Major Perspectives of Psychology in Everyday Life

Student Name

Chamberlain University

PSYC-290 Lifespan Development

Prof. Name:

Date

Week 1 Assignment: Major Perspectives of Psychology in Everyday Life

Psychology provides diverse perspectives to explain human behavior and decision-making. This week, I explored five major perspectives: psychoanalytic/psychodynamic, behavioral, humanistic, cognitive, and neuroscientific/biopsychological (Chamberlain, 2019, para. 10). Each perspective offers a distinct framework for understanding actions and motivations. For example, the ongoing public discussion surrounding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s decision to step back as senior members of the British royal family demonstrates how psychological theories can help interpret human choices. As announced on their Instagram page, the couple plans to divide their time between the U.K. and North America, aiming to achieve financial independence while maintaining support for the monarchy (Bruner & McCluskey, 2020). This decision reflects their desire for privacy and autonomy.

Overview

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex shared their decision to transition away from their royal roles in early 2020. Their statement revealed their intent to “step back” and adopt a “progressive new role” within the royal institution (Bruner & McCluskey, 2020). They emphasized their wish for financial independence while continuing to support Queen Elizabeth II. This announcement sparked significant public and media reactions. Many speculated about the motives behind their decision, with some suggesting that the Duchess influenced the Duke’s relationship with his family. According to Daniels (2020), the couple’s decision to split their time between Britain and North America reflects their desire to balance royal obligations with personal needs for privacy and independence.

Behavioral and Cognitive Perspectives

Behavioral Perspective

The behavioral perspective focuses on how external environmental stimuli influence human actions. Behavioral psychologists might argue that the Sussexes’ choice to separate from the royal family is based on their disregard for public opinion and media scrutiny. This perspective suggests that their behavior could be a response to conditioning, wherein they have learned to prioritize their personal well-being over societal expectations. From this viewpoint, the couple’s actions highlight a deliberate choice to assert control over their lives, irrespective of external pressures.

Cognitive Perspective

In contrast, the cognitive perspective emphasizes individual thought processes, emotions, and expectations. Cognitive psychologists would interpret Meghan Markle’s decision as being shaped by her upbringing and values. Unlike her husband, she did not grow up in a royal environment and likely held different expectations for family life. Cognitive psychologists might argue that Meghan’s desire for privacy and independence stems from her determination to provide her children with a different experience from what she encountered as a royal. This perspective highlights how her cognitive processes, including her aspirations and personal beliefs, influenced the couple’s decision.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to step back from their royal duties reflects complex psychological influences. Behavioralists might attribute their actions to external conditioning and environmental factors, while cognitive psychologists would point to their internal thoughts, emotions, and expectations. Meghan Markle’s distinct upbringing and values likely played a significant role in their desire for a private, independent life. By examining this decision through psychological perspectives, we can better understand the motivations behind such significant life changes.

Table: Perspectives of Psychology Applied to the Sussex Decision

Perspective	Focus	Application to the Sussex Decision
Behavioral	Actions influenced by external stimuli and environmental factors.	Decision viewed as a response to media scrutiny and societal pressures.
Cognitive	Behavior shaped by internal thoughts, expectations, and feelings.	Meghan’s upbringing and desire for privacy motivated her actions and influenced the couple’s decisions.
Psychoanalytic/Dynamic	Emphasis on unconscious motivations and early experiences.	Early family dynamics and emotional influences might also play a role in the couple’s desire for independence.

References

Bruner, R., & McCluskey, M. (2020, January 13). Prince Harry, Meghan Markle step down: Everything we know. Time. Retrieved from https://time.com/5761547/prince-harry-meghan-markle-step-back-senior-royals/

Chamberlain University. (2019). Lesson 1. Retrieved from https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/55959/pages/week-1-lesson-introduction-research-and-biological-foundations?module_item_id=7259100