Psychology of Behaviour: Understanding Psychological Approaches and their Application in Public Services

This essay explores the psychology of behaviour, focusing on understanding psychological approaches and their application in public services. It investigates theories of criminal behaviour and causal factors, as well as the impact of social influences on behaviour.

PSYCHOLOGY OF
BEHAVIOUR

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................1
Psychological perspectives and Identification of effect of social influences on behaviour...1
Investigation of theories of criminal behaviour and casual factors........................................4
Assessment of how psychological perspectives are applied in public services.....................6
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
Psychology is a wide area of study and practice which is associated with mind, as well as
behaviour of individuals. Its discipline and scope is quite vast due to multiple facets and layers
due to immense heterogeneity of human mindsets and difficulty in tapping their behaviour. There
are several ways in which certain psychological approaches are very well applied which are
associated with provision of public services, as well as include anticipation and judging criminal
behaviour (Gifford and Nilsson, 2014).
Hence, in regards to this, the essay below is associated with psychology of behaviour
which includes understanding of psychological approaches and applying them within public
services. It takes into account the murder case of 1993 of James Patrick Bulger who was a 2 year
old infant and murdered by two 10 year old individuals. Therefore, the essay would cover
investigation of psychological perspective, along with identification of effect of social influences
on behaviour. Furthermore, it also covers a detailed investigation of several theories of criminal
behaviour and casual factors associated with the same. In addition, the essay would address
assessment of how psychological perspectives are applied in public services effectively.
MAIN BODY
Psychological perspectives and Identification of effect of social influences on behaviour
Within psychology, there are several perspectives which are very necessary to be taken
into account, considering the impact they have on human behaviour. Moreover, explanation and
analysis of these perspectives also allows in determining their similarities, as well as the
differences between them towards explanation of human behaviour (Gwyther and Holland,
2014).
One of the major approaches that are used in psychology is Biological Approach.
According to this, the human behaviour is set to be affected through their genetic makeup and
hormones. This approach takes into account the structural level of human body, their cellular
level as well as functionality of their nervous system which explains their behaviour effectively.
For an instance, as witnessed within the case that parents of both the culprits, Robert Thompson
and Jon Venables, were very violent by nature and even alcoholic in the case of the former.
Hence, habits and addictions are likely to be transferred with the genes to the offspring and
similar actions and cellular makeup could be witnessed in the children.
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Another major theory or perspective used in psychology is Behavioural Approach,
according to which, the external stimuli, as well as an individual’s environment are determinants
of one’s behaviour and actions (Gross and McIlveen, 2016). It completely outcasts the concept
of free will and works on the principle that a certain kind of behaviour and action is mostly
learnt, which is associated with the fact that personal experiences shapes up mind frame and
psychology of people. As an example, both the individuals involved in the case study had a
history of violent behaviour and ineffective conduct of life, which was reflected through the
situation, and environment they were grown up into, which was full of violence and disregard,
which shaped up their behaviour.
Both these approaches and perspectives are very crucial towards providing an explanation
towards human behaviour and psychology. However, there are some very imperative similarities
and differences that are required to be taken into account. As for similarities, both these
perspectives have common implications of individuals having no free will and their behaviour is
stimulated either through their genes and biological system or external environment stimulus.
This is very imperative to understand towards explanation of human behaviour, as both these
approaches exercise control over the mindset and psychology of people, which restricts
formation of their own behaviour and actions; rather it gets moulded through their genes or
experiences.
In relation to differences however, one difference between these perspectives is that where
biological approach leads to consideration of nature and biological elements like hormones and
genes towards controlling of the behaviour, behavioural perspective considers the environment
as a stimulant for human psychology.
Apart from these approaches, it is also imperative that group influence, conformity and
obedience are appropriately researched into as they too are determinants of human behaviour.
Group influence refers to the phenomenon where activities of a certain group or social circle
affects and influences behaviour and mindset of a person. On the other hand, conformity is
surrendering of a person towards group pressure. Moreover, obedience in this context refers to
agreeing to instructions or mindset of others and adopting the same (Scott-Parker, King and
Watson, 2015).
There are several ways in which human behaviour is influenced by groups. One such way
is through De-individuation. This means that people tend to lose their self awareness after being
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part of a group. Individuals in this tends to stop and prevent dissent and indulging into critical
thinking, The case study has been a classic example of this concept, as both the individual were
influenced heavily by one another. As per several reports, Jon Venebles was under the influence
of Thompson for abducting James, which was a sheer instance of how the former lost his self
awareness and critical thinking. Another way through which group influence affects human
behaviour could be very well noticed through bystander behaviour (Arnold and et. al., 2016).
Many testimonies within the James Bulger case reveals that more than 35 individuals saw the
two kids with James and some of them even saw the beatings too. However due to other
individuals present at the scene and probably during their witnessing clearly discouraged these
people into taking actions.
Another term relatable in this scene could be social loafing, where individuals tend to
reduce their efforts while they operate in a group. Similarly, the witnesses seemed to have lighter
attention towards the situation as others were present during the abduction s well. However, in
case of both the culprits they were clearly brought in an environment which was way far from
education and ethical values, where they were brought up in households where they witnessed
alcohol and violence and similarly, they witnessed the same in their school or in their extended
social environment. Hence, the concepts of conformity and obedience have influenced their
behaviour pretty well which reflected towards their violent mindset and actions.
Human Psychology is a multi faceted concept which involves a range of behaviours that
could be triggered and influenced through certain ways and manners. Two of the most prominent
ones are Prejudice and Discrimination. The former refers to an opinion about a person which is
pre-conceived and does not hold any basis for personal experience or reason. As for the latter, it
refers to unfair treatment given to individuals against disliking or due to personal vendetta. There
are several consequences which could rise from both these concepts, which are crucial to be
analysed to relate the same within public services. For instance, the offenders in the case were
given 8 year jail term for committing a murder, which was a prejudiced view seeing their ages.
However, the consequence of the same would be quite negative upon kids of the same age, as
they might be encouraged of committing such a crime knowing that they would be spared. In
addition, discrimination was associated with both the individuals involved in the crime due to
their violent behaviour and mischievous actions. Hence, such discrimination and lack of equality
is quite severe for a positive mindset and induces negative behaviour.
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However, it is very much imperative within public services to have an understanding and
knowledge of a range of psychological theories and social influence (Young, 2016). The reason
for this is because there are a range of theories that have been derived by experts, which could
help in understand behaviour of individuals quite appropriately. For instance, B.F. Skinner
emerged with a theory of Operant conditioning, stating that responses of a person could be
strengthened or reduced through imposing positive or negative consequences (Lu and Kuo,
2016). Hence, relating this factor to the case, providing a harsh punishment to both the offenders
as part of public service could have been very effective to demonstrate other kids leading
towards the same path, so that a positive response could be gathered from them. In relation to
social influence however, public services must be aware about how social circles influence the
individuals within them in a positive or negative manner to derive services which could enhance
the positive effect on these individuals more.
Investigation of theories of criminal behaviour and casual factors
Criminology is one of the most prominent areas of study for experts and other individual
which helps them in understanding the mental psychology of a range of criminals, along with
several driving factors which leads them towards committing something which is ethically and
legally considered as wrong. However, it is also crucial for them to appropriately and effectively
understand and investigate a range of theories related to criminal behaviour and several causal
factors.
Firstly there are certain factors which instil a criminal behaviour and enhance the scope for
an individual to follow this path towards indulging into crimes. One such factor is associated
with genetics. It is quite likely believed that genetics carry specific kinds of behaviour and
instinct through DNA within offspring, which causes the children to prefer or discard similar
things which their parents do. Similarly, if a person is indulged into violence and molestation, it
could be a contributing factor towards their children to indulge within similar activity. As seen in
the case of James Bulger’s murder, parents of both these individuals were violent and indulged in
activities like beating their kids and molesting them, which developed a similar behaviour in
both these individuals (Andrewes, Walker and O’Neill, 2014).
Another causal factor is related to ethnicity, which relates to the community in which an
individual is brought up and the values and norms they learn to follow through those
communities. For instance, if majority of individuals preach unethical means of living or indulge
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themselves in a range of ineffective activities, then it is highly likely that individuals would also
be raised in same manner.
As for the current world scenario too, there are several factors today which are causal and
influential enough to lead someone towards crime is internet. With enhancement of digitalisation
and availability of abundant information and social networking, it is very easy for individuals to
be influenced by others into practicing criminal activities, such as cyber bullying, hacking and so
forth (De Waard and et. al., 2014).
Moreover, media has also created a big buzz towards providing a range of information
about different types of crimes and any individual could access information about conduction of
a specific illegal activity which encourages them towards involving in crimes themselves. Not
just that, media also presents certain television shows or fictional feature films which
commercialise and promote violent and behaviour related to criminology, which truly has
negative influence over individuals.
Apart from this, there are certain theories too which are required to be understood and
applied towards the case study to ensure its better analysis, along with determining range of
contributing factors along the line. One of the most prominent theories in this regard is the
Theory of Maternal Deprivation, which was suggested by John Bowlby in 1953. According to
this theory, it is essential for a child to experience a continuous and warm relationship with their
mother, or a motherly figure in order to ensure an emotional and healthy psychological
behaviour. Moreover it is also essential for mental health of individuals which would contribute
towards positive mindset. This theory also explains that maternal deprivation includes inability
within individuals towards showcasing care for a person or from attachments with someone.
Moreover, there are chances of them becoming affectionless. As witnessed in the case, this
theory is pretty much relatable in cases of both the culprits as while Thompson’s mother was
used to leave her children to themselves and was an alcoholic, Venables’ mother used to hit him
and was in depression. Therefore, both these kids were pretty much deprived of the mother’s
affection and which has turned to be a prominent reasons of them being completely unaffected
towards James (Paley, 2014).
Another theory in regards to this is associated with Social Learning Theory. This theory
works on the notion that individuals receive their learning from their surroundings and
community. This usually happens when a person communicates or comes in contact with another
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individual who is a criminal, which allows him to conform to certain unethical norms which lead
them to be a criminal. One of the most important elements of this theory is Differential
Association, which refers to the fact that a person could have bad friends and they further could
decide to be differentially associate with them and interact within certain criminal activities
(Tabibi and et. al., 2015). Furthermore, interaction with person who commits crime or indulges
in unethical activities and exposure towards acceptance of these attitudes and values influences
the decision of individuals towards participating in a certain kind of behaviour. Hence, in context
of the crime which has taken place with James Bulger, both the perpetrators were associated with
people who indulged into violent and criminal behaviour, as well as an equal influence on one
another could also be seen on both these individuals. For instance, as revealed in the study, it
was noted that James was physically harassed and molested before he was murdered, which is a
direct impact from the molestation which Thompson faced from his father, as well as multiple
beatings from their mothers and violent act at schools and in community.
Hence, through this purpose, both of them chose to showcase such a lifestyle as they
witnessed from their social circles and community around them.
Assessment of how psychological perspectives are applied in public services
As per the above discussion, it is very imperative and crucial for the psychological
perspectives to be applied by individuals and to teams within public services. Moreover, this
would allow the services to be effective enough to deal with issues by assessing and
implementing the underlying principles of human psychology, which would help them in
analysing the root causes of a range of different issues as well. Furthermore, it is very important
to adopt different methods which lead to application of psychological perspectives the public
services in a prominent manner,
One way through which this could be achieved is through development of public policies
which allows the state and national governments to practice in a way which is inclusive of
understanding of psychology. Moreover, it could also lead to more effective exercising of
formulation of norms and legislation which acts with psychological perspectives as basis
(Papadimitriou, Lassarre and Yannis, 2016).
Another manner is linked to Behavioural Economics, which would allow teams and public
services to be arranged in a way that could help in eradicating social issues from a particular
dense area. For instance, if an area is likely to have a population of unethical means of living,
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this method could be very useful towards ensuring that public services of that are be modified to
solve this issue.
Proper training to staff and hiring experts while providing public service could also be
given which would be very much contributing towards applying psychological perspective to
teams in the public services. Each individual who is requires assistance of these services or has
committed a crime must be evaluated and assessed on the basis of these perspectives by applying
a range of theories which would underpin the explanation of these problems (Cantillo, Arellana
and Rolong, 2015).
Psychology has an effective application towards a range of different services; however, it
is crucial to apply the same in a practical manner that contributes towards reduction of criminal
behaviour. Moreover, this would also help the public services towards decreasing the rate of
crime in the nation and restrict from children and adults in indulging into violent behaviour as
the kind witnessed in the above case study. Hence, in relation to this, there are several layers of
the public service system within which the psychology could be implemented towards reduction
in criminal behaviour.
The very first public service which must witness this application is Educational services.
The practical application of psychology in this service could be seen in teachings and social
interaction activities which are provided by the teachers to their students. This could be done by
teaching effective personal and communal behaviour that must be adopted and practiced by
children. Furthermore, certain principles and norms be taught to individuals so that they could
use their cognitive and behavioural frame of minds which lead towards differentiating effectively
between right and wrong. This would appropriately contribute towards adoption and
implementation of social learning theory and cognitive learning concept which would help in
reduction of criminal behaviour.
Another public service is the justice system. Hence, they could use and implement
behavioural psychology theory such as classical and operant conditioning to communicate with
individuals and their peers about the consequences of range of criminal activities. This would be
acting as reinforcement within mindset of individuals that would restrict them towards adopting
any such activities within future (Sung and et. al., 2016).
However, one prominent area of public service is social care. As witnessed in the case
above, the households and environment of children who murdered James were very disturbing
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and dysfunctional, which led to their violent behaviour and unethical mindsets. Hence, effective
social and behavioural psychology could be applied by social care organisations towards making
sure that children in their foundation years, as well as adults do not face any hostile treatment or
unhealthy environment in their homes or schools, which would be allowing them towards
reducing criminal behaviour and would help them develop an urge within individuals towards
showcasing healthy behaviour (Vaa, 2014).
There is a prominent range of public services upon which it is necessary to apply the
behavioural perspective. Moreover, its evaluation is very crucial to identify different manners in
which this could be instilled to support the services in a flexible and effective way.
For instance, one public service is judicial system of the country. Within this, a holistic
approach could be used to apply the behavioural perspectives while allowing them to enhance
their understanding towards specific actions and influences related to those behaviours while
they serve justice.
Another public service is associated with police. These individuals are required to maintain
law and order of an area and ensure that the harmony and ethical practices are very well
maintained within the same. Within this aspect too, behavioural perspective could be applied
through ensuring that ethical practices and environment is created by these individuals and teams
which facilitates positive mindsets within their community, along with better management of a
socially developed environment which facilitates prosperity and positivity (O'Connor and Nock,
2014).
CONCLUSION
Thus, it could be concluded from the report above that psychology on behaviour is one of
the most imperative elements to be considered and studied in order to determine characteristics,
mindset and behavioural elements that influence the actions of other individuals. Moreover, it is
necessary to describe and assess several psychological approaches and assess the same in context
of their similarities and differences. Along with this, it is imperative to define research into group
influence and how human behaviour is affected through it. Furthermore, analysis of
consequences of prejudice and discrimination is also very important. Certain theories that are
related to criminal behaviour and casual factors must appropriately be discussed and influences
on criminal activity must be investigated by relating them with several theories of the same.
Lastly, it is crucial to be explained how psychological perspectives could be applied by
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individuals to teams in public services and how it could contribute towards reduction in criminal
behaviour.
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REFERENCES
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