Freud believed that our personalities and mental health problems are shaped by unconscious conflicts (between id, ego, and superego) and childhood experiences. He thought that unresolved issues from early life, like family conflicts or traumas, could affect our behavior and mental state. Example: Princess Khianna Marie witnessed many arguments and shouting between her parents while she was a child. She tried to stop them, but eventually, her parents divorced. As a result, she became traumatized whenever she heard someone shouting during an argument.
2. Behavioral Theory (BF Skinner)
Skinner focused on how behavior is learned through interactions with the environment. He believed that mental health issues could arise from maladaptive behaviors learned through reinforcement (rewards or punishments). Example: Jocelyn Mae Ann was restricted from going out with her friends and felt safe avoiding social contact during COVID-19. However, afterward, she developed social anxiety as a result of this avoidance.
3. Attachment Theory (John Bowlby)
Bowlby believed that the early bonds we form with caregivers or guardians (like parents) shape our ability to form relationships later in life. Secure attachments lead to healthier relationships, while not secure attachments can lead to issues. Example: When Jomimalyn Trecia was a child, she used to play with her dolls and her parents. However, as she grew older, her parents became very busy with their jobs and paid less attention to her. They hired a caregiver to look after her, and she became very attached to this caregiver. Unfortunately, when the caregiver died in a car accident, Jomimalyn struggled to form attachments with other people or new acquaintances.
4. Social Learning Theory (Albert Bandura)
Bandura believed that we learn behaviors by observing and imitating others, and by seeing the outcomes of their actions. He believed that psychopathology can develop when people model maladaptive behaviors or see them being reinforced in others. Example: Maria Grace Alberta sees their sibling getting more attention or rewards from their parents after throwing tantrums or being aggressive, she might learn to mimic this behavior to get what they want.
5. Cognitive Theory (Jean Piaget)
Piaget focused on how thinking and understanding develop through different stages of childhood. He believed that cognitive distortions or irrational thoughts can contribute to mental health issues. Example: Sofia Ericka Anne Joy who believes she must always get perfect grades, may experience intense anxiety and stress over their academic performance, leading to feelings of inadequacy or depression when they don't meet their high standards.