Human psychology based on behavior and gestures is an entire art that explains the non-verbal movements of the human body. When communicating, we learn much more about a person through his external reactions, and only 30% of information about the interlocutor we receive directly from a conversation with him.
This is due to the fact that when communicating a person is prone to unconscious analysis of the interlocutor. He may not even notice how he draws conclusions based on small details of the appearance and behavior of the interlocutor. This explains the formation of a positive or negative impression of communication.
Characteristics of the term, areas of human psychology
The purpose of human psychology is to study the psyche of the individual, the features of its expression, functioning, and aspects of development. The term itself comes from Greek and means “the science of the human soul.” Over the course of its long development, it has absorbed a lot of important knowledge. Psychology began to be perceived as an independent discipline in the 19th century. She contributed to people's understanding of the nature of psychic aspects. Human psychology includes a number of areas based on the study of personal, mental, behavioral, unconscious, and moral issues. This division contributes to a detailed study of the concept of the nature of the psyche.
The term "personality" is usually used outside of psychological terminology in a different sense; for example, as a legal entity, a person who has achieved exceptional results, historical persons, persons of social status.
The term “personality” has been used in psychology since the beginning of the twentieth century. Personality (Latin “persona”) denoted the mask of ancient drama actors who performed on stage. It was associated with the external, public manifestation of the psyche, but the inner essence of a person was obscured. Later, the concept of role came into use as part of the study of social psychology.
From a psychological point of view, a personality is every person, a member of society, occupying a certain position and role in society:
- position is the special position of an individual in a social group (subordination, dominance, for example, in professional, personal life);
- a role is a combination of the expected behavior of an individual in society, set by norms and conventions (the role of a student, a nurse).
Personality is formed throughout life.
Areas of human psychology:
- Cognitive (cognitive). The goal is to consider the form of cognitive activity and its content. Human behavior is determined by the mind, the level of intelligence. This area studies the acquisition, preservation, and practical application of various knowledge.
- Associative. This direction studies the psyche based on associative methods. This area is based on the assumption that the primary role is played by feelings, under the influence of which consciousness is created. Association of complex terms with simple ones makes them easier to understand. Fixing associations ensures their repetition.
- Gestalt. The psychology of people in this sphere is based on the explanation of mental processes through certain integral formations - “gestalts”. Through thinking and perception, the senses perceive surrounding objects as integral forms.
- Humanistic. Its basis is the study of personality and human abilities. People live by their experiences and perform certain roles based on specific situations. The primary task of human life is self-improvement. He strives for higher achievements only after satisfying lower needs.
- Deep. The purpose of this field is to study the unconscious processes considered to be the driving factors of individual behavior. We are talking about psychoanalysis, founded by S. Freud. It is based on the assertion that human personality is based on instinctive, emotional processes. Psychoanalysis helps scientists determine the causes of mental phenomena.
Definition of the concept
Behavioral psychology is a field of knowledge that explains a person’s nonverbal movements (facial expressions, gestures, intonations) and draws conclusions about how sincere, truthful, confident and open he is.
Very often we make such an assessment unconsciously when we feel uncomfortable when communicating with a familiar person or even avoid him. But in fact, we evaluate his behavioral manifestations, which tell us what he thinks about us, how he treats us, despite the fact that his words may be friendly or neutral.
There are a number of techniques that allow you to determine a person’s true intentions, his emotions, and level of self-esteem. His movements, facial expressions and other features reveal his inner fears, attitudes, complexes, which we catch subconsciously or evaluate consciously if we have certain knowledge and experience.
We perceive the communication process as a general picture; sometimes during a conversation we do not notice what he is wearing, what he is saying, but we pay attention to how he does it, what phrases and words he uses, how he sits and what he holds in his hands. Sometimes some little thing attracts attention and is remembered for a long time: a smell, a speech impediment, an accent, slips of the tongue, incorrect accents, an inappropriate laugh, and so on.
A scientific discipline that helps explain and decipher unconscious nuances in people's behavior that reveal their true intentions is behavioral psychology.
1. What do gestures and facial expressions tell us?
Gestures and facial expressions play a huge role in conversation. But, despite the simplicity of deciphering certain human postures and gestures, they can carry a completely different meaning.
For example, in the psychology of lying there are the main signs of deception: a person does not look into the eyes, touches his mouth, nose, neck. But the interlocutor may touch his nose only because it itches.
Crossed legs or arms - these gestures in the psychology of human behavior are interpreted as distrust, tightness, isolation, but the interlocutor may simply be cold.
Advice on deciphering mannerisms and gestures can often lead to a dead end or put a person in an awkward position. For example, when we see an open posture in our interlocutor, a confident and calm voice, a pleasant, sincere look, we take him for an honest person, but in fact he has fraudulent intentions. Or pick-up artists, how much charm, wit, sincerity, good manners they have - and this is all in order to assert themselves.
2. What does speech and intonation tell us?
Speed of speech, rhythm, volume, intonation greatly influence communication and can tell a lot of additional information about a person, according to behavioral psychology. Science helps to understand the emotional state of a person:
- A calm, reasonable, balanced person speaks rhythmically, slowly, with an average level of volume.
- Impulsiveness of character is revealed by fast and animated speech.
- Those who are insecure or withdrawn speak quietly and uncertainly.
3. Often words are not as important as intonation.
But it should be understood that if a person is in an unfamiliar environment, he may behave differently than in a familiar environment.
Behavioral psychology will allow us to determine the hidden factors that actually influence a person. But in order to see and understand them, you need to be “savvy” with knowledge and attentive to people.
Psychological literature for beginners
To independently master human psychology, specialized literature is required. You need to start studying with the basics - the basics of psychology. A proper understanding of complex terms requires mastery of basic concepts. This information is contained in textbooks on psychology of the 1st year of the university. Having mastered the basics of psychology for beginners, you can move on to studying classic specialized scientific works. Top Authors:
- Z. Freud;
- K. Horney;
- E. Fromm;
- A. Adler;
- C. Jung.
The most famous works to start studying psychology include:
- D. Ariely, “The whole truth about lies”;
- N.V. Baturin, “How to manage emotions”;
- M. Seligman, “The Path to Prosperity”;
- E. Paul, “Know a Liar by Their Facial Expression”;
- E. Muir, “Self-Confidence.”
In addition to books on human psychology, you can read interesting thematic magazines, in particular the following:
- “Existential and humanistic psychology”;
- "Russian Psychological Journal";
- "Experimental Psychology".
These are not psychology lessons for beginners; Such magazines are intended for people more familiar with the topic.
Books and magazines are based on the fact that every person has a number of qualities. Properties that manifest themselves with high intensity are dominant. The main ones are called cardiac. Central qualities are significant, they manifest themselves in certain situations. Secondary properties are less significant, less intense, and associated with specific circumstances.
Properties and qualities are characterized by a number of features, including:
- universality (property is inherent in all people, for example, conscience);
- individuality (a certain personality characteristic);
- constancy (duration of a certain personality property, for example, throughout life);
- polarity (positive and negative properties);
- hierarchy - a differentiated arrangement of properties (related properties are combined into one main quality, for example, a sense of confidence, determination, assertion of opinions = self-confidence);
- depth (the deeper the property, the less it depends on the environment, life circumstances);
- penetration (dominance of one property over others, more pronounced in human behavior).
While the study of human psychology begins with books, acquired knowledge is consolidated through practical activity. Before consulting people, a psychologist works on himself, reviews (if necessary changes) his character and behavioral traits. This means that he is studying himself. To provide psychological assistance to people, a specialist must independently overcome his own phobias and complexes.
Uncontrolled touching
There are various gestures not controlled by consciousness, such as fidgeting in a chair , touching the face , hair .
They indicate your excitement and even cunning.
- When a woman straightens her hair , it is perceived as a sexual gesture symbolizing “preening.” Any touching of the forehead, nose, or mouth in sign language is regarded as untruth . Unconsciously, you are trying to neutralize the lies you are telling, thereby trying to shut your own mouth.
The importance of psychology lessons
Knowledge of human psychology is applicable in almost all areas of human life. Sometimes situations arise that require people to make an important decision, to determine the right approach. Social psychology lessons help you take an unmistakable step. They will be useful to all people who want to adapt to society, achieve mutual understanding with the environment, understand the causal factors of current events, the motives that drive other people. Psychological knowledge helps in solving personal life problems and confronting the problems that accompany a person in life. In addition to specialized literature on psychology for beginners, you can learn this science with the help of expert recommendations.
Psychology lessons developed for teaching embody knowledge taken from various theoretical materials. Professional psychologists work on them, whose task is not only to bring a number of scientific conclusions to students, but also to adapt them to practical use. Each lesson contains useful recommendations and various thematic tips.
The first step in learning is to study the person's personality. The study of causal factors affecting people's behavior requires determining the causal factors that influence their mental state. Practically, psychological theory is applied thanks to special methods. Having studied everything about psychology, the future specialist learns to influence other people and create friendly relationships with them.
What is the advantage of specialized psychology lessons over self-study using literature? The training course is specially created for beginners in this science who want to quickly learn to understand people. An experienced specialist, along with theoretical information, indicates the possibilities of their practical application. Without this, training with the help of psychological books can last for years without results - a person will not learn to behave in a conflict, difficult situation.
In addition to theoretical material, the specialist uses thematic games and exercises in the classroom. This helps to consolidate the acquired knowledge and improve understanding not only of others, but also of oneself. During lessons, students can participate in psychological tests and watch thematic videos.
Handshake
By paying attention to the actions and behaviors that people do unconsciously, you can learn a lot about them. For example, a handshake .
When performing this action, a person does not think about how exactly he does it. Very often this results in an incorrect handshake.
- If it is insecure and sluggish , then this will certainly make the interlocutor think that you are not the authority here . Also, you should not overdo it, squeezing your interlocutor’s hand as if with pincers . Such a gesture can be perceived as a desire to impose one’s will .
The role of psychology in human life
The formation of human personality occurs already in childhood by absorbing information coming from the environment. Character is built under the influence of this knowledge. In accordance with the dominant character traits, the presence of desire, a person can cope with problems or succumb to them.
Self-control is an important factor in solving all problem situations. It is difficult to unbalance a person who is able to keep his emotions under control. He is aware of appropriate behavior in society and knows how to find the approach to people necessary to achieve the target result.
Human psychology in this regard is based on a number of rules. Compliance with them is a guarantee of success:
- understanding people;
- positive relationships with others, regardless of their social status;
- respect for the interests of others;
- accepting difficulties and overcoming them;
- defending your interests, regardless of the situation;
- leaving mistakes and failures in the past after learning from them;
- constant actions aimed at achieving success;
- lack of fear of new things and responsibility.
All people sometimes find themselves in situations that require certain actions that have not been taken before. Some begin to act immediately. Others despair. Still others are waiting for the “opportune” moment. An excellent reaction to a similar situation is due to individual personal characteristics, moral principles, education, and upbringing.
A morally unstable person gives in to danger because he does not know how to behave. Instead of taking action (eg running away), he loses clarity of thought, as a result of which he becomes vulnerable.
Successful solution of problems encountered in life requires preparation for them, strengthening of the will and psyche. Awareness in the field of psychology will help solve most of these problems. Psychological preparedness for difficult situations minimizes fear, supports an adequate response to an unusual situation, and the correctness of actions.
Interesting facts in the field of psychology
Education in the field of human psychology facilitates personal growth, helps to establish positive relationships with the environment, and helps to achieve success in professional activities. Scientific progress in this area has opened up new, previously unknown interesting facts about human psychology, and explained the reasons for specific actions or lack thereof.
Interesting facts in psychology that make you look at the human soul from a different perspective:
- Happiness lies in keeping the brain constantly busy. The lack of new information and the ability to switch thinking between individual topics is depressing.
- During sleep, the brain remains active. As a result, after waking up, a person remembers only really important facts.
- The gray brain matter is a “sensor” of possible danger. But most people often ignore the signals sent to him, relying on happiness.
- When starting a new activity, a person needs 2 months to get used to it. After this time, all innovations become automatic and do not cause discomfort.
- People who suffer from nightmares usually feel cold in their sleep.
- The best method for getting rid of anxiety is a book. Reading will help you switch your thinking faster and more effectively than music, sports, alcohol, or watching TV.
- Expecting too much = painful failure. The more mundane the plans, the quieter the reaction to failure.
- A notable fact of interesting psychology: when in an unknown place, people tend to stick to the right. Therefore, the queue on the left is always shorter than the queue on the right.
- The tendency to disrupt order manifests itself in the presence of manifestations of reigning anarchy.
- Few people want to argue with a calm person. Most people prefer emotional opponents.
- The longer you sleep, the lower your risk of mental illness.
- To create a positive relationship, it is important to say the name of the interlocutor.
- A way to quickly fall asleep: in a supine position, close your eyes and roll your pupils up. This position promotes sleep.
- The loudest speaker often wins the debate. Although often the emotionally speaking person turns out to be wrong.
- An interesting psychological fact is that the lack of ability to assess the consequences of erroneous actions is the reason why incompetent people often achieve heights. They are characterized by stubbornness and self-confidence due to lack of professionalism.
- External beauty is less common among criminals. Beautiful people get what they want from life in any case: either through charm or at the expense of others.
- People focused on solving a problem often do not notice what is happening around them.
- A few second glance is typical for ordinary interlocutors. A prolonged gaze indicates physical attraction or hidden aggression.
Advice from a psychologist: how to learn to enjoy life
Not everyone can withstand life's tragedy. Then the world becomes gray and uninteresting: it is difficult to find hobbies or at least temporarily occupy yourself with something. To avoid such situations, you should use psychological tips for every day:
- Smiling is the key to positivity.
- Movement is life.
- It never hurts to visit a beauty salon once again.
- Dreams are the reason to move forward.
- Positivity is in the little things.
- Travel is a way to find yourself.
This kind of psychology will force you to live and radiate positivity every day, bring goodness and receive it in return.
Psychology of human memory
Memory plays an important role in human psychology. Storing information in memory contributes to development, learning, and personality formation. The fundamental stone of memory is the change in nerve cells under the influence of stimuli, the long-term preservation of excitation. This leads to a number of biochemical changes in neurons. When recalling things in memory, nerve cells become excited despite the absence of stimuli.
The psychology of memory is associated with the qualities of water. This is not surprising, since the human body consists of 80% of this liquid. Water remembers the conditions in which it was previously. This quality is due to the absorption capacity, the ability to transform and redistribute energy.
Methods of psychological influence on people
Society is people in constant communication. They influence each other, consciously or unconsciously. Methods of influencing others have a number of options:
- Infection. This is the transfer of an emotional state between people. Panic and the cry of one person spoils the mood of everyone present. You can become “infected” with both negative and positive emotions.
- Suggestion. The motivation for a specific action is instilled through verbal or non-verbal speech. Each personality is characterized by varying degrees of suggestibility. Insecure people, including children under 13, are more suggestible than independent people.
- Belief. Action on the part of a person is caused by logical thinking. The higher the intelligence, the less prone to persuasion.
- Imitation. People often copy the manners of others (consciously, unconsciously). Frequent role models are successful, wealthy individuals.
Manipulation is another way of influence. The manipulator gets what he wants, the opponent is left with the illusion of an independently made decision.
Human psychology is an interesting science. Anyone can understand its basics. But not everyone is able to practically apply the acquired theoretical knowledge. A psychologist will help you understand the intricacies of this complex discipline.
IMPORTANT! Informational article! Before use, you should consult a specialist.
Advice from a psychologist for every day
Depression is the result of the influence of negative factors on human consciousness. Some psychological tips will help you avoid this condition and enjoy life:
- Good sleep is the key to health. Only in a well-rested state is the body able to sensibly assess the situation and make meaningful decisions. Otherwise, a feeling of lethargy and depression appears.
- Don't keep negative emotions inside yourself. You need to be able to overcome the black streaks and move on.
- It is better to diversify your daily pastime. Monotony quickly gets boring and causes depression.
- There is no need to burden yourself with work that you don’t like. Time should be spent on an exciting pastime that can distract from bad thoughts and diversify your leisure time.
- And most importantly, you must love yourself.
Such practical psychology for every day can change your life radically and charge it with positivity.
