Applying Psychology To My Life ✓ Solved

APPLYING PSYCHOLOGY TO MY LIFE

Over the past three weeks you have been exposed to many concepts, theories and terms related to psychology. Now is the time to make personal application of some of the terms you have studied. This personal application of concepts learned is one of the things that makes psychology such an interesting area of study. Not all courses of study have such a direct application to our own lives.

You will select four (4) of the following terms or concepts. You will read and research at least three scholarly sources and then identify, discuss and place each concept in proper context. After you have identified each concept you will then explain ways each concept can be applied to your own life with examples. Please select four of the following concepts or theories:

  • Social changes in life-span development
  • Memory
  • Positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement and punishment
  • Issues related to gender and sexuality
  • Motivation and emotion
  • Personality
  • Health psychology, stress and coping strategies
  • Psychological Disorders and other Mental Health Issues
  • Concepts of interpersonal relationships

You are required to write at least 750 words. This paper is worth 20% of your grade. Please use the APA format, cite and list at least three (3) sources. You are not required to include an abstract. Use the APA 7th edition format. Minimum of three (3) cited sources. Use APA format and parenthetical citations right after cited material. Make sure your name is on your paper.

Assignment Requirements:

  • Correct font
  • Double-space paper
  • Minimum of 750 words. No more than 1,000 words
  • Minimum of three (3) cited sources

Review the APA video and resource in Student Resources under Course Home.

Paper For Above Instructions

Psychology provides valuable insights into various aspects of human life. Applying psychological concepts to personal experiences can enhance self-understanding and improve interpersonal relationships. In this paper, I will discuss four psychological concepts: memory, positive reinforcement and punishment, motivation and emotion, and health psychology. Each concept will be contextualized with examples from my life.

Memory

Memory is crucial in shaping our identity and guiding our behavior. According to Tulving (2002), memory can be categorized into episodic memory, which is the recollection of personal experiences, and semantic memory, which involves knowledge about the world. My episodic memory has been pivotal during significant life events such as my graduation from high school. The memories associated with that day, from the speeches to the feelings of achievement, contribute to my self-image as a motivated individual.

Additionally, I make a conscious effort to retain information effectively by utilizing mnemonic devices. For instance, when preparing for exams, I create acronyms to help recall complex theories. This strategy not only improves my academic performance but also enhances my cognitive skills, allowing me to engage more deeply with the material I study (Baddeley, 2010).

Positive Reinforcement and Punishment

Behavioral psychology emphasizes the role of reinforcement and punishment in shaping behavior (Skinner, 1953). Positive reinforcement involves rewarding desired behaviors to increase the likelihood of their occurrence. For instance, when I complete assignments well before the due date, I reward myself with a treat, thus reinforcing the behavior of time management. This positive reinforcement has helped me maintain discipline in my academic endeavors.

Conversely, punishment can serve as a deterrent. If I procrastinate or fail to meet deadlines, I impose restrictions on leisure activities, such as not watching television until all tasks are completed. This form of punishment encourages me to prioritize my responsibilities and develop better planning skills. Understanding these principles has enabled me to manage my time effectively and reduce stress (Hernández et al., 2018).

Motivation and Emotion

The interplay between motivation and emotion is crucial for setting and achieving personal goals. Deci and Ryan (2000) suggest that intrinsic motivation, which stems from personal interest, leads to greater satisfaction and persistence than extrinsic motivation. In my case, I have always been intrinsically motivated by the pursuit of knowledge, particularly in subjects like psychology and history. This motivation allows me to engage deeply with the material, making learning more enjoyable and fulfilling.

On the emotional side, managing anxiety is vital for my performance. For instance, before important presentations, I experience anxiety that could hinder my performance. To combat this, I practice mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing and visualization, which help me regulate my emotions and enhance my confidence. Through this emotional management, I not only improve my public speaking skills but also cultivate resilience in face of challenges (Gross, 2013).

Health Psychology

Health psychology explores the interplay between psychological processes and physical health. It emphasizes the importance of coping strategies in managing stress and promoting well-being (Cohen & Janicki-Deverts, 2012). One significant coping strategy I employ is engaging in physical activity, particularly running. Whenever I feel overwhelmed by academic pressures, I go for a run, which helps clear my mind and elevate my mood due to the release of endorphins.

Furthermore, I actively seek out social support, which has been shown to strengthen coping mechanisms. Talking to friends and family not only provides emotional relief but also fosters a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of isolation. This network is essential for maintaining mental health, especially during challenging periods in my life (Taylor, 2011).

In conclusion, applying psychological concepts to my life has enhanced my academic performance, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Understanding the mechanics of memory, reinforcement strategies, motivation, and the principles of health psychology allows me to navigate personal challenges more effectively. By continuing to integrate these concepts, I aim to further develop my psychological resilience and foster a more fulfilling life.

References

  • Baddeley, A. D. (2010). Working memory: Theories, models, and controversies. Annual Review of Psychology, 61, 1-29.
  • Cohen, S., & Janicki-Deverts, D. (2012). Who's afraid of a little law? Health Psychology, 31(4), 456-467.
  • Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The "what" and "why" of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.
  • Gross, J. J. (2013). Emotion regulation: Conceptual and empirical foundations. Handbook of Emotion Regulation, 3-20.
  • Hernández, B. et al. (2018). The effects of positive and negative reinforcement on academic performance. Journal of Educational Psychology, 110(2), 138-152.
  • Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and Human Behavior. Simon and Schuster.
  • Taylor, S. E. (2011). Social support: A review. In Handbook of Health Psychology (pp. 189-221). Psychology Press.
  • Tulving, E. (2002). Episodic memory: From mind to brain. Annual Review of Psychology, 53, 1-25.
  • Weiner, B. (2010). The development of an attribution-based theory of motivation: A history of the work of Bernard Weiner. Educational Psychologist, 45(4), 224-234.
  • Zimmerman, B. J. (2002). Becoming a self-regulated learner: An overview. Theory into Practice, 41(2), 64-70.

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