1.1 What Is Psychology? (Understanding the Foundation)
Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind (thoughts), emotions (feelings), and behavior (actions).
In simple terms, psychology tries to understand:
What a person thinks
What a person feels
And what a person does
But the real depth begins here…
Human behavior is never random.
Behind every action, there is an internal process:
Thought → Emotion → Reaction
Example:
If someone ignores you,
You think: "Maybe they don't like me."
You feel: Sadness or anger.
You react: You withdraw or become rude.
Psychology explains this entire process.
1.2 Human Behavior – Not Just Action, But a Pattern
Human behavior is not just about what someone did. It's about:
Why they did it
In what situation they did it
What mental state they were in
What past experiences shaped them
Behavior is influenced by three major factors:
1️⃣ Biological Factors
Brain structure
Hormones
Genetics
Nervous system
Example:
If someone has chronically high levels of the stress hormone cortisol, they may experience higher anxiety.
2️⃣ Psychological Factors
Thoughts
Beliefs
Self-image
Fears
Past trauma
Example:
If someone was ignored in childhood, they may display attention-seeking behavior in adulthood.
3️⃣ Social & Environmental Factors
Family
Culture
Society
Peer group
Financial condition
Example:
A person raised in a strict environment may struggle to express emotions openly.
1.3 The Biopsychosocial Model (A Deeper Understanding)
Psychology uses a powerful framework called the:
Biopsychosocial Model
Bio + Psycho + Social = Complete understanding of a human being
This means you cannot understand a person from only one angle.
Example:
If someone is frequently angry —
Biological: Their nervous system may be hyperactive.
Psychological: They may feel insecure or threatened.
Social: They may live in a toxic environment.
Conclusion:
No one is "just an angry person."
There are layers behind the behavior.
1.4 Conscious vs. Subconscious Mind
The human mind operates on two major levels:
Conscious Mind
Logical thinking
Decision-making
Awareness
Subconscious Mind
Habits
Emotional memories
Deep fears
Childhood conditioning
Important point:
About 80–90% of our daily decisions are influenced by the subconscious mind.
Example:
You logically know that overthinking is unhealthy.
Yet you still do it.
Why?
Because fear is stored in the subconscious.
1.5 The Brain and Neuroplasticity (Change Is Possible)
The brain is not fixed.
This concept is called neuroplasticity.
It means:
The brain can form new neural connections
Habits can change
Trauma can heal
Personality traits can improve
Example:
If someone practices positive affirmations daily, over time the brain develops new neural pathways.
In other words:
"I am just like this" is a myth.
Human beings can change.
1.6 Emotional Triggers – Why Are Reactions So Strong?
Why do small situations sometimes cause strong emotional reactions?
Because the reaction is not only about the present moment.
It is connected to stored emotions from the past.
Example:
If someone has a fear of abandonment
And their partner replies late to a message
Their reaction may be 10 times stronger than the situation requires.
That is not overreaction.
It is unresolved emotion.
1.7 The Real Purpose of Psychology
Psychology is not just a theory or an academic subject.
It is a life skill.
Through psychology, you can:
Communicate more effectively
Improve relationships
Understand your emotions
Develop self-control
Heal trauma
Most importantly:
Psychology teaches you to judge less and understand more.
1.8 Real-Life Case Reflection
Case:
Rohit is always aggressive.
Surface-level explanation:
People say, "He just has anger issues."
Psychological analysis reveals:
His father was abusive during childhood
He never experienced emotional safety
Showing weakness led to punishment
Result:
Aggression became a defense mechanism.
Lesson:
Behind every behavior, there is a story.
1.9 Chapter Summary
In this chapter, we learned:
What psychology is
That behavior is not random
How biological, psychological, and social factors shape a person
The power of the subconscious mind
That the brain can change
Emotional triggers often come from the past
1.10 Self-Reflection Questions
What is your strongest emotional trigger?
Is your behavior more influenced by your past than you realize?
Do you consciously make decisions, or do you mostly react?
If change is possible, what would you choose to change in yourself?