Psychology is more than the study of behavior; it is a window into the complexities of the human mind.

Beyond the well-known theories of Freud and Jung lie fascinating and lesser-known concepts that enrich our understanding of ourselves and life.

This crash course introduces key psychological frameworks while diving into intriguing topics like Internal Family Systems (IFS), the psychology of flow, transpersonal experiences, and the paradox of choice. Let’s explore the diverse terrain of psychology in 2025.

Table of Contents

• Citations

  • 1. Foundations of Psychology

  • 2. Major Psychological Theories

  • 3. Depth Psychology and the Subconscious

  • 4. Alternative Psychological Frameworks

  • 5. The Biological Basis of Behavior

  • 6. Social and Cultural Psychology

  • 7. Psychology in Technology and AI

  • 1. Foundations of Psychology

  • 2. Major Psychological Theories

    • Behaviorism

    • Cognitive Psychology

    • Humanistic Psychology

  • 3. Depth Psychology and the Subconscious

    • Jungian Archetypes and Shadow Work

    • The Subconscious Agreement

  • 4. Alternative Psychological Frameworks

    • Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy

    • Logotherapy by Viktor Frankl

    • Existential and Positive Psychology

  • 5. Lesser-Known Psychological Concepts

    • The Psychology of Flow

    • Polyvagal Theory

    • Narrative Therapy

    • Neuroplasticity

    • Epigenetics and Mental Health

  • 7. Social and Cultural Psychology

    • Indigenous Psychology

    • Cultural Narratives

  • 8. Psychology in Technology and AI

    • Digital Therapy Tools

    • Social Media and Mental Health

  • 9. The Future of Psychology

  • 10. Conclusion: Psychology’s Impact on Life

Citations

1. Foundations of Psychology

• Wundt, W. (1874). Principles of Physiological Psychology.
  (The foundational work in establishing psychology as a scientific discipline.)

• James, W. (1890). The Principles of Psychology.
  (An influential work that introduced many foundational psychological concepts.)

• Freud, S. (1900). The Interpretation of Dreams.
  (Freud’s foundational text exploring the unconscious mind.)

2. Major Psychological Theories

• Pavlov, I. P. (1927). Conditioned Reflexes: An Investigation of the Physiological Activity of the Cerebral Cortex.
  (Classical conditioning study.)

• Skinner, B. F. (1938). The Behavior of Organisms: An Experimental Analysis.
  (Operant conditioning principles.)

• Beck, A. T. (1967). Cognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders.
  (A foundational text in cognitive psychology and therapy.)

3. Depth Psychology and the Subconscious

• Jung, C. G. (1969). The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious.
  (A detailed exploration of archetypes and the collective unconscious.)

• Siegel, D. J. (2012). The Developing Mind: How Relationships and the Brain Interact to Shape Who We Are.
  (Modern insights into subconscious agreements and their development.)

4. Alternative Psychological Frameworks

• Frankl, V. E. (1959). Man's Search for Meaning.
  (A seminal work on logotherapy and finding meaning in life.)

• Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience.
  (Exploring the psychology of flow and optimal experience.)

• Porges, S. W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-Regulation.
  (An introduction to polyvagal theory and its implications.)

5. The Biological Basis of Behavior

• Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science.
  (Insights into neuroplasticity and brain adaptation.)

• Szyf, M., & Meaney, M. J. (2008). Epigenetics, the Brain, and Behavior. Nature Neuroscience, 9(8), 627–638.
  (A comprehensive review of epigenetics and mental health.)

6. Social and Cultural Psychology

• Gone, J. P. (2013). Redressing First Nations Historical Trauma: Theorizing Mechanisms for Indigenous Culture as Mental Health Treatment. Transcultural Psychiatry, 50(5), 683–706.
  (Exploring indigenous psychology and its cultural applications.)

• Hammack, P. L. (2011). Narrative and the Politics of Identity: The Cultural Psychology of Israeli and Palestinian Youth.
  (Examining cultural narratives and their psychological impacts.)

7. Psychology in Technology and AI

• Riva, G., & Wiederhold, B. K. (2020). Virtual Reality in the Assessment and Treatment of Anxiety and Other Psychiatric Disorders. Clinical Psychology Review, 22(6), 665–678.
  (The role of VR in digital therapy tools.)

• Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2018). The Age of Anxiety? Birth Cohort Change in Anxiety and Neuroticism, 1952–1993. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 79(6), 1007–1021.
  (The relationship between social media and mental health.)

1. Foundations of Psychology 

Psychology formally emerged in the late 19th century, evolving from philosophy to a scientific discipline. Early thinkers like Wilhelm Wundt, William James, and Sigmund Freud shaped its core.

Over time, psychology expanded its scope to include the biological, cognitive, and social dimensions of human life.

2. Major Psychological Theories 

Behaviorism

Behaviorism emphasizes observable behavior shaped by external stimuli. This approach introduced ideas like:

•  Classical Conditioning (Pavlov): Associative learning through repeated stimuli

•  Operant Conditioning: (Skinner): Behavioral reinforcement through rewards or punishments

Cognitive Psychology 

Cognitive psychology focuses on how we think, perceive, and process information.

Its insights form the foundation for therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and innovations in artificial intelligence.

Humanistic Psychology

Centered on personal growth and self-actualization, humanistic psychology includes:

• Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: A roadmap to fulfillment

•  Rogers’ Person-Centered Therapy: Emphasizing empathy and unconditional positive regard

3. Depth Psychology and the Subconscious

Jungian Archetypes and Shadow Work

Carl Jung proposed archetypes like the Hero, Mother, and Shadow as universal aspects of the collective unconscious. Shadow work, an introspective practice, helps us integrate repressed aspects of ourselves for greater self-awareness.

The Subconscious Agreement 

Unspoken psychological "contracts" formed in early life influence our adult behaviors and relationships.

Recognizing and re-negotiating these agreements can help break cycles of self-sabotage and unhealthy dynamics.

4. Alternative Psychological Frameworks

Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy

IFS views the mind as comprising distinct "parts" or subpersonalities.

•  Managers: Protect us from harm

• Exiles: Hold unresolved trauma

• The Self: A calm, compassionate inner leader that facilitates healing

This approach fosters harmony between conflicting inner voices and is a powerful tool for trauma resolution.

Logotherapy by Viktor Frankl

Logotherapy focuses on finding meaning in life, even amidst suffering.

Frankl’s approach teaches that our primary drive is the pursuit of purpose, not pleasure or power.

Existential and Positive Psychology

Existential psychology examines fundamental questions about freedom and mortality.

Positive psychology emphasizes cultivating strengths, gratitude, and resilience to enhance well-being.