Major Schools of Psychology
1. Structuralism
Structuralism was the first school of psychology. It is associated with Wilhelm Wundt and
Edward Titchener, and it focused on studying the structure of the mind. Titchener expanded
on Wundt’s original ideas and gave this approach the name structuralism. This school
emphasized introspection as a method to explore mental processes. However, structuralism
began to lose popularity and eventually faded out in the early 1900s, as newer schools of
thought emerged.
2. Functionalism
Functionalism was developed by William James, who focused on how the mind helps people
function in everyday life, rather than just studying its structure. He was heavily influenced by
Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection, believing that mental processes evolved to
serve a purpose. Although functionalism offered a broader perspective than structuralism, it
eventually became less dominant as psychology continued to evolve.
3. Gestalt Psychology
Founded by Max Wertheimer, Gestalt psychology emphasized that psychological
phenomena cannot be broken down into smaller elements and still be fully understood. Its
key idea is summed up in the phrase:
“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
The word Gestalt means “organized whole” in German. This approach later influenced the
development of Gestalt therapy, a type of psychotherapy that focuses on awareness and
understanding of the present moment.
4. Psychoanalysis
Psychoanalysis is a therapeutic approach founded by Sigmund Freud. It focuses on the
unconscious mind, childhood experiences, and inner conflicts. Freud’s theories became the
basis for many modern forms of psychotherapy. While psychoanalysis was highly influential,
it was also challenged by other emerging perspectives in psychology.
5. Behaviorism
In the early 1900s, John B. Watson introduced behaviorism, which rejected introspection and
focused only on observable behavior. Watson believed that psychology should be a science
based on what can be seen and measured. Later, B.F. Skinner expanded behaviorism with
his work on reinforcement and conditioning. This school became one of the most dominant
forces in psychology for decades.
1. Structuralism
Structuralism was the first school of psychology. It is associated with Wilhelm Wundt and
Edward Titchener, and it focused on studying the structure of the mind. Titchener expanded
on Wundt’s original ideas and gave this approach the name structuralism. This school
emphasized introspection as a method to explore mental processes. However, structuralism
began to lose popularity and eventually faded out in the early 1900s, as newer schools of
thought emerged.
2. Functionalism
Functionalism was developed by William James, who focused on how the mind helps people
function in everyday life, rather than just studying its structure. He was heavily influenced by
Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection, believing that mental processes evolved to
serve a purpose. Although functionalism offered a broader perspective than structuralism, it
eventually became less dominant as psychology continued to evolve.
3. Gestalt Psychology
Founded by Max Wertheimer, Gestalt psychology emphasized that psychological
phenomena cannot be broken down into smaller elements and still be fully understood. Its
key idea is summed up in the phrase:
“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
The word Gestalt means “organized whole” in German. This approach later influenced the
development of Gestalt therapy, a type of psychotherapy that focuses on awareness and
understanding of the present moment.
4. Psychoanalysis
Psychoanalysis is a therapeutic approach founded by Sigmund Freud. It focuses on the
unconscious mind, childhood experiences, and inner conflicts. Freud’s theories became the
basis for many modern forms of psychotherapy. While psychoanalysis was highly influential,
it was also challenged by other emerging perspectives in psychology.
5. Behaviorism
In the early 1900s, John B. Watson introduced behaviorism, which rejected introspection and
focused only on observable behavior. Watson believed that psychology should be a science
based on what can be seen and measured. Later, B.F. Skinner expanded behaviorism with
his work on reinforcement and conditioning. This school became one of the most dominant
forces in psychology for decades.
