Tag Archives: Psychology

The General Theory of Behaviour III: Restructured Hierarchy of Needs and Wants

The Needs and Wants Hierarchy is an amended form of Abraham Maslow’s (1943) motivational needs hierarchy described by Douglas T. Kenrick and colleagues  to which this author has added the process of Psychological (Type II) Homeostasis and made other amendments. The theory of motivation is a fundamental building block of the entire GTB. It describes how theContinue reading “The General Theory of Behaviour III: Restructured Hierarchy of Needs and Wants”

The General Theory of Behaviour V: Entrainment, Rhythm and Synchronicity

This fifth post in a series about A General Theory of Behaviour examines homeostasis, synchronicity and circadian systems in the regulation of arousal, behaviour and sociality. This is a beautifully engineered system where homeostatic and circadian influences at multiple levels are integrated to permit optimal integration of mediators in the internal milieu and external world.Continue reading “The General Theory of Behaviour V: Entrainment, Rhythm and Synchronicity”

The General Theory of Behaviour VI: Learning, Striving and Inhibiting

In this sixth article concerning the GTB, I describe basic principles of learning, striving and inhibiting behaviour. Among other things, it includes the Law of Effect which was derived from studies with cats. “responses that produce a satisfying effect in a particular situation become more likely to occur again in that situation.” Edward Thorndike, 1898Continue reading “The General Theory of Behaviour VI: Learning, Striving and Inhibiting”

The General Theory of Behaviour VII: Wayne Rooney, Imaging and Action

In this seventh post I explore the introspections by the footballer Wayne Rooney. These interesting remarks by one the world’s greatest footballers illuminate key issues in the General Theory. They are concerned with how thinking, feeling and action are all interconnected. It is these interconnections that enable us to function as an integrated human being.Continue reading “The General Theory of Behaviour VII: Wayne Rooney, Imaging and Action”

Reset for Psychology as A Natural Science

THE GENERAL THEORY OF BEHAVIOUR Homeostasis, the state of steady internal conditions, is a well-established principle in living systems. Here I discuss ‘Psychological Homeostasis’, a construct which gives rise to three ‘big ideas’: a new general theory of behaviour; an alternative theory of evolution; and unifying Psychology as part of natural science. My aim isContinue reading “Reset for Psychology as A Natural Science”

“A classic in the field”

Warm thanks to the following seven endorsers of  Health Psychology (4th & 5th Editions) quoted below: Fourth Edition: “This book has become a classic in the field – sophisticated,  accessible and interesting.   It is of great use to students, teachers and practitioners of Health Psychology world wide.” Leslie Swartz, Distinguished Professor of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.Continue reading ““A classic in the field””

“Absolute joy to read”

Previews of The Health Psychology Reader Click below for a Preview of the Editor’s Introduction and Chapter 1: Matarazzo, J. D. (1982). Behavioral health’s challenge to academic, scientific, and professional psychology. American Psychologist, 37(1), 1. Intro IntroCh1 Reviews of The Health Psychology Reader `This book was an absolute joy to read and offers a comprehensive review of health psychology….Continue reading ““Absolute joy to read””

The General Theory of Behaviour X: Homeostasis Theory of Well-being

In this tenth post, I assert that homeostasis is a singular unifying principle for all living beings. Homeostasis operates at all levels of nature in every living system: in molecules, cells, tissues, organs, organisms, societies, ecosystems and the planet as a whole (Lovelock, 2009). Tissue homeostasis regulates the birth (mitosis) and death of cells (apoptosis);Continue reading “The General Theory of Behaviour X: Homeostasis Theory of Well-being”

The General Theory of Behaviour XI: Theory of Obesity

This eleventh post takes me back to the beginning – the theory of obesity that led me to design the General Theory. This occurred via the realisation that the theory applied to all behaviour. Inside every one us there exists a tension between comfort and discontent. When we assuage the discontent, we find comfort. WhenContinue reading “The General Theory of Behaviour XI: Theory of Obesity”