Differential psychophysiology: definition, main theses, examples

2024 Author: Miguel Ramacey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 06:11

What is the subject of differential psychophysiology? More on this later in the article. It is a discipline related to psychophysiology and differential psychology. In turn, psychophysiology studies the special mechanisms of mental activity, and differential psychology explores the sphere of typical (which are characteristic of a group of people united by a certain characteristic) and individual (which are inherent only in individuality) differences between people.

Definition

The term "differential psychophysiology" itself was introduced in 1963 by the Soviet psychologist and doctor of pedagogical sciences Vladimir Dmitrievich Nebylitsyn (an abbreviated version of the DFT). In simple terms, the DFT is concerned with the study of the prerequisites and natural science foundationsindividual differences in behavior and the human psyche.

If expressed in a scientific language, then differential psychophysiology is a discipline that studies the relationship of individual-typical differences in the activity of regulatory systems (such as the endocrine system, brain, and others) from the psychological characteristics of a particular person, which are revealed in communication, activity and behavior.

DFT problems

Knowledge of the problems of differential psychophysiology is of practical importance, since on its basis it is possible to distribute people into different types of sports, professional and other fields of activity, as well as to choose the method of training and education that is most suitable for a person. In theory, understanding the problems of the DFT helps to make the right balance of social and biological in human development.

There are seven problems of differential psychophysiology:

1. The impact of topological features on performance in various areas of activity (academic, professional, and so on).
2. Ratios of key DFT definitions (individuality, personality, organism, individual).
3. Age and sex differences among people.
4. Functional asymmetry.
5. Characteristic personality traits and activities.
6. Properties of the nervous system, temperaments.
7. Giftedness and abilities of the individual.

Evgeny Pavlovich Ilyin. Differential psychophysiology of men and women

Evgeny Pavlovich Ilyin, Doctor of Psychology, paid special attention to the DFT. His book en titled "Differential psychophysiology of men and women" is the first in Russian psychology, where social and psychological differences between women and men were considered. In this book, E. P. Ilyin collected the results of numerous foreign and domestic studies into a single whole. Also, special attention is paid to gender-role distinctive features of women and men.

This book was published as an addition to the first book by E. P. Ilyin "Differential Psychophysiology" (2001), which de alt with issues related to functional asymmetry (left- and right-handedness), the nervous system, temperaments, gifts and abilities that are associated with the psychophysiological differences of people. Since the author had a feeling of understatement after the release of the first book, he decided to write another one that fully revealed the topic of gender and gender differences between people, because this topic is so relevant now.

E. P. Ilyin, in the preface of his book, admitted that the topic of differences between people had been of interest to him for a long time, but he was waiting in the wings. An important role was played by numerous publications by other authors, where this topic was considered only from one side, without affecting important aspects. The author noted that in many publications the problem of socialinequalities, while the role of biological differences was not actually taken into account.

Ilyin E. P. relates this problem to differential psychophysiology, since he believes that biological differences (such as morphological, central nervous, hormonal, and others) play an important role in the distinctive features of the behavior of women and men. The author emphasizes his idea by the fact that society certainly influences the formation of men and women, but nevertheless, it is in the biological affiliation that the primary sources of these differences lie. Many disciplines of biological and humanitarian profile are engaged in the study of this problem.

In this book, dedicated to differential psychophysiology, Ilyin Evgeny Pavlovich analyzes the differences in family life, professional activities, behavior, abilities and in many other ways in women and men as a complex psychophysiological problem. The author explores social, psychological and biological aspects.

In total, the book on differential psychology and psychophysiology from E. P. Ilyin contains 13 chapters. Let's dwell on each of them briefly.

Biological aspects of sexual differentiation

This chapter reveals the purpose of the existence of women and men. You will get acquainted with the characteristics of women and men as biological beings. The degree of manifestation of physiological and somatic properties in representatives of both sexes is also considered. This chapter contains information that indicates thatthe number of men is less than women, and the analysis of this demographic situation. After reading this chapter, you will be able to get acquainted with the characteristics of diseases of different sexes, their specificity and developmental anomalies.

Gender stereotypes

This chapter describes the perception of the image of a woman and a man through the eyes of society, taking into account the beliefs and stereotypes that have developed over the years. Interestingly, these views also apply to newborns, although, in fact, they do not yet have characteristic female or male features. The question of the inequality of women and men in society is raised, the reasons for this are clarified. A separate part of the chapter is devoted to the society's perception of the role of women and men in society.

Gender identity

This chapter describes the process by which a girl and a boy take on the female and male roles, that is, the process of gender identification. The stages of formation of psychological sex are considered in detail. The influence of information media and normative pressure on the formation of gender among people is considered.

Sex differences in the emotional sphere

It's no secret that women's emotionality is more complex than men's. In this chapter, you will learn how the feelings and emotions of different sexes differ. The tendency of women and men to positive and negative emotions, expressiveness will also be analyzed. It will be established which gender is better able to recognize the emotions of another person and has the best emotional memory.

Ability of women and men

This chapter covers mathematical,spatial and verbal abilities of a person, it is said about the female and male perception of the world. Some stereotypes are analyzed, for example, "a man is smarter than a woman", "female logic" and how plausible they are. A few words are said about the fact that few women have become famous and have achieved outstanding results in one area of life or another.

Personal characteristics of women and men

This chapter is one of the most interesting and controversial, it presents the evidence and the author's personal opinion about which of the two sexes is the most deceitful, who is more aggressive (case studies are considered), who has more motivation, and also differences and features of motivation in men and women. Information is given about who has more willpower. The question of whether it is true that a man is active and a woman is passive is revealed. This chapter breaks down the stereotype that women are more sociable than men. The chapter is devoted to the personal differences of the sexes.

Features of communication

One chapter of the book is devoted to the characteristics of communication that depend on gender. The principles of choosing a partner for communication by adults and children, female and male, are analyzed. The sexes were compared according to the level of cohesion. A study has been conducted on how women and men evaluate other people of both sexes. Considered the importance of communication for women and men.

Features of behavior

In life there are different situations in which the behavior of women and men is different. Why is this happening?The author describes the strategies of behavior in difficult situations, as well as options for psychological protection. Topics will be relevant about what the differences between women and men are in the distribution of their time, in relation to fashion trends and others. Interest may be raised by questions related to the propensity of different sexes to crime and various addictions.

Sexual behavior

Previously, it was not customary to discuss sexology, but just because of sexual illiteracy, it is difficult for partners to find mutual understanding in intimate relationships. In order for there to be harmony in sexual relations, you need to be aware of the sexual characteristics of your partner. The chapter is devoted to the differences in sexual behavior of different sexes.

Family

What ideas about the family do women and men have? How to distribute responsibilities and roles in the family? How to properly raise children? Where do crises in family life come from? Who is more likely to take the initiative when filing for divorce? Why can't a daughter-in-law get along with her mother-in-law? These and other important questions are covered in this chapter of the book.

The last chapters are devoted to activities, physical culture, comparative study of women and men.