Essay · Human behaviour
What Were They Thinking?
How one difficult question, a love of processes and a determined reading journey led me into the fascinating world of psychology.
I have lost count of how many times I have asked, “What were they thinking?” or “What could possibly drive a person to do such a thing?”
It is safe to say that human behaviour has intrigued me for a number of years. My curiosity led me to read more on the subject, and eventually I wandered into psychology.
While at college, I had a brief introduction to psychology, and I admit that I found the subject boring! In my defence, my life was rather easygoing, and my biggest difficulty at the time was an ever-critical mother. But not even that pushed me to want to understand the intricacies of human behaviour.
The need to understand came many years later, after I successfully extricated myself from an abusive relationship. For years, I asked, “How could he do these things to me?” Then, one day, I stopped and turned the questions on myself: “Why the hell did I allow this?” That was a difficult question, and perhaps an unfair one. His behaviour was his responsibility. What I wanted to understand was what had kept me in that relationship.
And thus began my journey—and what a ride it has been.
I could have booked a session with a psychologist and begun exploring those questions with professional help. But I loved a challenge—still do!—and I wanted to start by reading and learning for myself. Books gave me a place to begin, at my own pace. So I went out, bought books, and read them!
No, I didn’t want to become a psychologist. I merely wanted to understand better.
I was fortunate to find a book that started with the basics, and my learning commenced. And when I say the beginning, I mean the “What is psychology?” kind of beginning.
It turns out that psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes. Oh yeah—bring it on! You see, I understand processes. As a business analyst, I always want to understand the process that brought a company to a particular point.
But let me hasten to add: that neat definition covers a great deal. Psychology explores what people DO, as well as our thoughts, emotions, perceptions, reasoning and memories. It also examines how biological processes, including what happens in our brains and nervous systems, influence how we think, feel and behave.
Wow, what a mouthful!