Which psychological perspective views people primarily as products of their environment?

The behavioral approach focuses on the idea that behaviors are learned through interaction with the environment. This perspective emphasizes the importance of observable behaviors over internal mental states or emotions. Proponents of this approach, such as B.F. Skinner and John Watson, argue that human behavior can be understood by examining how external stimuli influence individuals, shaping their actions through reinforcement and punishment.

This perspective contrasts with the psychoanalytical approach, which emphasizes inner drives and unconscious processes, the cognitive approach that focuses on mental processes such as thinking and memory, and the humanistic approach that centers on personal growth and self-actualization. By placing significant weight on how environmental factors shape behavior, the behavioral approach helps explain various phenomena, such as the development of habits and social behaviors, making it a critical viewpoint in understanding human psychology.