How Human and Animal Psychology Relate?

All animal species have many behavioral similarities, and this blog is dedicated to providing information about these similarities. This began to work after the publication of Comparative Psychology for Clinical Psychologists and Therapists (Marston & Maple, 2016). 'Comparative psychology' is a term that studies behavior across species, and like his book, this blog aims to explore what useful information is available in the field to understand what we do.

Human behavior is not necessarily better than non-human behavior

Humans and non-human animals seek to explore the world. All actions are aimed at improving an individual's chances of survival and prosperity. Since one type is superior to another, no other behavior occurs. The difference is the environment and what each of us needs to survive and thrive.

Non-human animals behave differently from humans because their environment dictates them. What works for humans doesn't necessarily work for animals. People don't understand what works and understand what works best in a given situation. It's a matter of context, not 'good' or 'bad,' that determines what works.

Sometimes language doesn't speak so well

People communicate primarily through oral communication. Languages ​​vary around the world, but oral communication is emphasized globally. Animals communicate, but they do not rely on verbal communication. They cannot use words or similar means of language and rely on other means of communication.

Psychotherapy and counseling are rooted in animal psychology. Sigmund Freud did a lot of work to explain how understanding animal behavior can help us understand human psychology. His writings on psychoanalysis were largely based on what was known at the time about monkeys and other primates. Monkey's studies contributed to his famous theory of the Oedipus complex (Herman, 1938) and his work on social psychology (Eisler, 1963). Although much of his work has been discredited in recent decades, he provided important data on which later authors and theories of psychotherapy are based. 

'Survival of the Fittest' is not an action engine.

Humans and all non-human animals want to survive. And a lot of action is moving towards that goal. However, privacy is not the only driving force behind the move. Then the behavior would look very different from what it is now. Individual animals seek food and breeding opportunities only for themselves. There is no 'group psychology' in behavior because everyone is looking for what they need. Even parents don't worry about their children because they are just saving their own lives. Ordinary behavior is best explained by the fact that all animals try to 'survive and thrive' in their environment. This is a phrase that can be difficult to define precisely, but it represents the general purpose of the action. Individuals seek not only their survival but also the survival of their species (or at least the survival of some species).

Behavior is very similar between species. 

Behavior can be different in different animal species. In particular, human behavior appears to be quite different from that of other animals. But the truth is that all behavior, human or non-human, follows very similar rules.

Reinforcement is the basic principle of any behavior. Behaviors that lead to positive reinforcement are repetitive behaviors. And actions that do not lead to the desired results are not repeated. It may sound simple, but it is very complex. One reason for this is that what is reinforcing for one person may not be reinforcing for another. 

Scientists don't always have the answer.

Because my interest lies at the intersection of comparative and clinical psychology, I have been heavily involved in a group called behavioral neuroscience and comparative psychology. To be honest, I don't like going out with them. One of the main reasons is that it is composed almost entirely of scholars and shows little interest in promoting an understanding of comparative psychology outside the college. Their approach to understanding human and animal psychology is a good example of the adage 'All you have is a hammer and a nail.' Most of them know this is a university, so they think this is the only place they can evaluate cross-species behavioral studies.