Which psychological theory focuses on how individuals perceive and interpret their environment?

Cognitive-behavioral theory is centered on understanding how individuals perceive and interpret their environment, particularly how these perceptions influence their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This approach posits that our beliefs and interpretations of events significantly affect our reactions and coping mechanisms. It emphasizes the interplay between cognition (thought processes) and behavior, suggesting that by changing our thought patterns, we can alter our emotional responses and behaviors. This theory is particularly relevant in sports psychology, where athletes are trained to reframe their thoughts to enhance performance and self-esteem.

In contrast, humanistic theory focuses more on personal growth and self-actualization, prioritizing individual experiences and feelings rather than the cognitive interpretation of the environment. Transactional analysis deals with social interactions and communication dynamics rather than perception and interpretation. Gestalt theory emphasizes holistic processing and the importance of perceiving entire patterns instead of individual elements, making it less about personal interpretation relative to the environment.