Cognitive Theory 

COGNITIVE THEORY
Motilal Dass

Behaviour could partly be determined by the individual’s understanding. In this regard,

cognition can be related to the human behaviour and in the perspective of the cognitive
approach it could clearly be stated that behaviour is entirely formed by the environment.

Dr.N.H and et al (1992) states that cognitions are impressions, interpretations, thoughts
and knowledge acquired when we make contact with our environment. In most of the
cases the social understanding which is termed as cognition is very much important.
Sometimes one can be found stronger than the other person. So it can be deduced that the
origin of cognition holds the primary importance from its inception. Kenworthy and et al
(2002) states that the cognition involves the integration of thought processes in response
to two factors. These responses are particularly concept driven and data driven. Concept
driven processes simply describe our human nature whereas the nurture influences our
previous experiences and the learning, which has been occurred as a result of that
consequence. On the other hand, data driven processes denote to the information which
comes automatically to our conscious attention by the sensory organs.

All these elements would probably more vivid if they are classified in accordance of
proper order. The cognition approach of development certainly holds the systematic
process and it also depicts the development process of an individual. By the proper and
systematic organization any individual can easily get grips to the social and physical
environment thereby by making him well adjusted with the existing environment. In
many occasion there might be need of higher organizational processes and eventually the
individual tends to form certain strategies, which in later stages becomes very much
helpful to cope up with the environment. All the human beings are subjected to undergo
the cognitive development process in life. For instance, a child can assimilate various
information differently from an adult person. This is one type of cognitive development,
there are still number of factors closely associated with this development and they are
described in nutshell.

-1-
Cognitive Theory 

The mental representation which is developed through the actions and experiences is
entitled as schema. This is an unstable process and subject to changes which results from
experiences and learning. Kenworthy and et al (2002) states that schemas are the useful
ways of communicating with others because a shared schema enables insight into another
person’s mental processing and behaviour. Accommodation explains the alteration of
existing schema with the experiences and understanding. The common understanding of
human being is the result of disequilibrium between adaptations and new situations.

To summarize the cognitive development and its related factors, it can be noted that all
the aforementioned factors are interlinked. For instance when failing to assimilate the
new experiences into schema, then accommodation is needed; and there comes the
learning from experience or so called discover learning.

BEHAVIOURIST THEORY

Behaviourist Theory particularly depicts out the nature of an individual as he acts on. It
could be the actual nature of interaction with the peer groups or common people that he
meets everyday. In the perspective of behavioural theory one could probable link it
directly to the abnormal behaviour of an individual and fortunately the description of
behavioural theory is subjected to concentrate on the conditions where a clear link can be
found. Behaviourist theory is another attempt to explain human personality [online]. It
shows how the human behaviour is formed. In many cases the cultural and sub cultural
factors mold and shape the personality and according to the behaviourists, human being
has his life determined for him since he is a product of the culture that causes him to be
as he is. Basing on this it could probable make to comprehend that behaviourists theory is
of deterministic type. Behavioural therapy is a prime source for experts to draw a close
link as well as to outline the causes of an individual who may be acting in an undesired
manner.Richard H. Hall (2001) states that the first basic characteristic of behaviorism is
that behaviourists emphasize the importance of empirical and observable behaviours.

-2-
Cognitive Theory 

It merely involves the physical or the mental symptoms but it focuses on maladaptative
responses of the client. In this case the key element is to bring back the client into the
normal condition with keeping keen observations on the underlying causes. If the
maladaptative nature prolongs for the longer duration then it leaves the client with
adverse effect. In this occasion it could be wise decision to find out the underlying causes
and to act upon accordingly.

Behavioural theory often talks about the unconditioned stimulus and while making an
attempt to rehabilitate the client from the addiction it simply provokes the client to
abstain from consuming those substances involved in causing the problems; this could be
called the adverse effects. In many cases the alcoholism is paired with nausea, so the
client does not feel consuming the substances any longer and eventually tries to withdraw
him from it as this addiction badly affects the health. The attempt to make the person
withdraw from the symptoms often called aversion technique. The technique has to be
kept on doing repetitively as to withhold the client in the right track. Hence, the person
develops an uncomfortable feeling while thinking of drinking or smoking or even looking
at an illicit picture.

APPROACHES OF BEHAVIOURAL THEORY IN RELATION TO INDIVIDUAL’s HEALTH:

Depression:
There are many factors which propels a person to get affected with the anxiety and
depression. These are obviously triggered by number of external events. Due to anxiety
an individual simply fails to cope up with his daily activities. Phobia is considered as an
avoidance response that can be learnt from daily experiences. This factors badly affects
the individuals health.Dr. N. H Groenman and et al (1992) states that depression is seen
as a lack of positive reinforcement or a high rate of negative reinforcement. In the context
of behavioural explanation of depression it got acquired with learned helplessness
strategy.

-3-
Cognitive Theory 

So in many cases reinforcement could be implemented then the feedback probably leads
to the solution of the proThe action which the person gets to learn seems of no
importance and this type of folk has no control over themselves. To this type of patient
reinforcement plays a vital role. Coolican H and et al (1996) states that perhaps the
depressed people reduce their responses because they get little reinforcement or because
reinforcement has lost its strength for them. It can not directly ponder on treating or
tackling the depressive condition but it sets its target to concentrate on extinction of the
depressive situation and by observing others it is believed that expectation could be learnt
but behaviors could probably acquired. Coolican H and et al (1996) states that
expectation referred both what we think will be the out come of certain behaviour and our
self efficacy. So with the supportive care like recreational activities and assertive training
it is necessary to observe them closely for the feedback. To have effective behaviour
change person’s thoughts can be changed.Depression eventually makes the person
inactive and simply makes him feel sad and a person who is vulnerable to depression
looses social skills. Once a person is fallen to this condition then he certainly requires a
great deal of sympathy from near and dear one. Unfortunately, it becomes a critical issue
to deal with such client who partially or completely looses interests to cheer up.

In conclusion, it can be brought into attention that depression badly affects the health
status of an individual and it becomes evident that the person shows some degree of
physical inactivity.

-4-
Cognitive Theory 

REFERENCE:

Coolican. H, Hodder, Stoughton (1996) Applied Psychology. ISBN 0-340-63092-2, p.41

Dr. N.H. Groenman, Dr. O D’S Slevin, M.A .Buckenham (1992). Social and Behavoural
Sciences for Nurses 2nd ed. Edinburgh: Campion Press. p.77

Kenworthy N, Snowley G Gilling C (2002). Common Foundation Studies in Nursing 3rd

ed.Edinburugh: Churchill Livingstone.p.207

Richard H. Hall (2001)TheEducational Psychology [online] London, available on www.

medialab.mst.edu accessed on January 14, 2008

The Behaviourist Theory (2007) [online], available on www.the-shrink.info accessed on

January 12th 2008.

Author:
Motilal Dass
Registered Nurse (India)
HNC Health Care (Scotland)

E-mail:
motilald@hotmail.com

-5-