Cultural Influences on Social Behaviour and Aggression
Social Behaviour Across Cultures – Super Short Notes
Social behaviour: how people think, feel, and act in social situations.
Culture shapes norms, values, and acceptable behaviour.
In-Groups and Out-Groups
- In-group: Groups we belong to (family, religion, nation).
- Out-group: Groups we do not belong to.
- People favour in-groups over out-groups.
Individualistic vs Collectivistic Cultures
- Individualistic: Independence, personal goals, low conformity.
- Collectivistic: Group goals, harmony, high conformity and
Criminology Concepts: Labeling, Conflict, and Data Measurement
Criminological Paradigms
- Interactionism
- Critical Theory
Key Principles of Labeling Theory
The focus is on what happens after the action, not what preceded or caused the action.
Primary Deviance
- Occasional or situational behavior that may be excused or rationalized by the actor or the audience.
- The initial act of deviance that goes relatively unpunished.
Secondary Deviance
- Deviant behavior triggered by social reactions that follow primary deviance.
- Deviance that occurs after a person is labeled criminal.
Deviance
Read MoreCore Psychology Concepts: Perception, Learning, Memory, Thinking
1. Psychology as a Science and Historical Development
Definition and nature: Define psychology as the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
Scientific characteristics: Objectivity, replicability, systematic observation, and empirical evidence (e.g., experimental methods).
Historical timeline:
- Pre-scientific: Philosophical roots (Plato, Aristotle) and the study of the soul.
- Foundational schools:
- Structuralism (Wilhelm Wundt, 1879 lab)
- Functionalism (William James)
- Psychoanalysis (Freud)
- Modern
Sexual Health: Disorders, Orientation, Therapy, and Pregnancy
Causes of Sexual Problems
Intrapsychic (Psychological) Factors
Intrapsychic (psychological): Early family messages about sex, shame, guilt, fear, sexual trauma or abuse, low self-esteem, performance anxiety.
Interpersonal and Relational Factors
Interpersonal / relational: Poor communication, poor conflict resolution, suppressed anger → decreased passion, power struggles, infidelity, jealousy, distrust.
Cultural and Psychosocial Factors
Cultural / psychosocial: Religious teachings, family-based sex messages,
Maturation Concept and Environmental Influences on Development
Maturation Concept
The term maturation was not known before Arnold Gesell examined this concept, coined as a necessary predisposition for operating all existing systems. Gesell said that in the mature stage there are many maturities; these maturities are stages where the body reaches sensitivity to new stimuli. This concept is what all biologists have stated: ripening is an anatomic-physiological process that is genetically determined and characteristic of each species.
Experiments Based on Maturation
Read MoreAdolescent Health: Brain Development, Nutrition, and Resilience
As physical and hormonal changes peak, adolescents face critical health choices regarding nutrition and substance use. These issues are deeply interconnected with the developing brain—specifically, the struggle between a seeking “reward system” and a still-maturing “control center” (the prefrontal cortex).
Nutrition and Growth Demands
The “growth spurt” in adolescence creates the highest nutritional demand of any life stage except infancy.
Key Nutrient Requirements
- Calcium: Essential for achieving