Have you ever wondered why certain people seem to be more successful than others? Or why some people are drawn to unhealthy eating patterns, while others remain healthier? The answer lies in the science of behavior—psychology’s explanation of how behaviors work and how they relate to the mind. Behavior can be broken down into three specific categories: biological, cognitive, and behavioral. Learning the basics of each will help you explain why other people may act the way they do in certain situations.

✔️ Research the Science Behind Behavior

Why do we do what we do? It’s a question that has been asked for centuries, but it is only now that psychologists are beginning to understand how behavior influences our minds. The science behind behavior is complex and multifaceted, with various factors all working together to produce thoughts and emotions. This includes biological factors such as genetics, brain chemistry and environment. Understanding the science behind behavior can help us better understand ourselves and those around us. For example, there is much research surrounding depression and anxiety which suggests they stem from chemical imbalances in the brain. Similarly, understanding the theory behind obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can help explain why someone might compulsively wash their hands or check a lock over and over again.

✔️ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves changing thoughts and behaviors in order to manage feelings and improve mental health. With CBT, clients learn more effective ways to deal with life’s challenges by examining the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviorbehaviorss. It encourages them to think about how they react differently when they are feeling certain emotions and then try new things until they find healthier responses. The emphasis on this therapy is on what people can do in the present moment to change problematic patterns without dwelling too much on why these problems happen or fixating on past events.

✔️ Parenting & Childhood Mental Health

Childhood mental health is an issue that parents all over the world struggle with. It’s difficult to know if your child is struggling or not because there isn’t always a clear sign. But, it is important to be aware and sensitive to your child’s needs so you can be proactive in preventing problems from arising.
There are many factors that play into mental health issues, but one major contributor is behavior which leads back to psychology. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), the study of human thought, emotion, and behavior focuses on how these things impact people’s lives. Studies show that behavior affects brain chemistry as well as levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin – chemicals that help control moods – which also affect our moods. In other words, how we behave dictates how we think and feel as well as how we treat others.

✔️ Trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), & Mental Health Conditions

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety disorder that can occur after a person has been exposed to a traumatic event, like military combat, sexual assault, or natural disasters. It’s not uncommon for someone who suffers from PTSD to experience nightmares and flashbacks for years after the event. People with PTSD often find it difficult to experience positive emotions like happiness and pleasure because they fear being retraumatized by everyday life. Individuals who suffer from PTSD also have a greater risk of developing other mental health conditions like depression and substance abuse. The prevalence rates for these other conditions in people with PTSD are high at about 76%.
But here’s where things get interesting–it’s not just those with PTSD that are affected. Family members of those who live with this condition also show symptoms of distress including severe insomnia, feelings of hopelessness, feelings of anger and sadness towards the individual with PTSD.

✔️ Mental Health Disorders by Category

Psychology and mental health are a multifaceted field that is still being researched and studied. Mental health disorders are diseases that affect people’s mood, thoughts, behavior and physical well-being. There are many people, and many different kinds of mental illness. Which can be further categorized into types such as personality disorders, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. While these all have different symptoms, treatments vary from counseling to medication. The science behind how psychology deciphers the mysteries of the mind is still being explored but it has been found that by understanding how we act on behaviors it may help us better understand our minds. It seems like a paradox but if one wants to change their current state they must first study their own behavior in order to understand what about themselves needs changing.

The connection to the mind and behavior is interesting. So much can affect the reaction of behavior. The mind is a powerful foundation to life. Thinking, functioning, and living impact behavior as we know it. The connection will always be mysterious, if you really think about it. 🦋

Until our beautiful minds meet again, be safe out there. Many blessings and much love. Remember Everyday Minds Matter – Della💞🦋