What is the subject of differential psychophysiology? More on this later in the article. This 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 is characteristic for a group of people united by a certain attribute) and individual (which are inherent only to 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 abridged version of the DFT). In simple words, the DFT is studying the premises and natural-science foundations of individual differences in human behavior and psyche.
If expressed in 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 areas of activity, as well as choose the method of training and education that is most suitable for a person. In theory, understanding the problems of DFT helps to make the right balance of social and biological in human development.
There are seven problems of differential psychophysiology:
- The impact of topological distinguishing features on performance in various fields of activity (educational, professional, and so on).
- The correlation of key definitions of DFT (individuality, personality, organism, individual).
- Age and gender differences among people.
- Functional asymmetry.
- Characteristic features of personality and its activities.
- Properties of the nervous system, temperaments.
- The giftedness and ability of the individual.
Evgeny Pavlovich Ilyin. Differential psychophysiology of man and woman
Special attention was paid to the DFT by the doctor of psychological sciences Evgeny Pavlovich Ilyin. His book, entitled "Differential Psychophysiology of Men and Women," is the first in Russian psychology to examine the social and psychological differences between women and men. In this book, E.P. Ilyin put together the results of numerous foreign and domestic studies. Particular attention is also paid to the gender-role characteristics of women and men.
This book was published as an addition to the first book of E.P. Ilyin "Differential Psychophysiology" (2001), in which issues related to functional asymmetry (left and right handedness), nervous system, temperaments, giftedness and abilities, which associated with the psychophysiological differences of people. Since the author still had a feeling of understatement after the release of the first book, he decided to write another one that fully disclosed the topic of gender and gender differences between people, because this topic is so relevant now.
In the foreword of his book, E.P. Ilyin admitted that he had been interested in the topic of differences between people 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 on the one hand, without affecting important aspects. The author noted that in many publications the problem of social inequality was brought to the fore, 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 a significant role in the distinguishing 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, the primary sources of these differences lie precisely in biological affiliation. Many disciplines of biological and humanitarian profile are engaged in the study of this problem.
In this book, devoted to differential psychophysiology, Ilyin Evgeny Pavlovich analyzes the differences in family life, professional activity, behavior, abilities and much more in women and men as a complex psychophysiological problem. The author explores the social, psychological and biological aspects.
In total, the book on differential psychology and psychophysiology from E.P. Ilyin contains 13 chapters. Let us 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 become acquainted with the characteristics of women and men as biological creatures. The severity of physiological and somatic properties in both sexes is also considered. In this chapter you can find information that indicates that the number of men is less than women, as well as an analysis of this demographic situation. After reading this chapter, you will be able to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of diseases of different sexes, their specifics 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 many years. Interestingly, these views are also applicable to newborns, although, in fact, they still do not have characteristic female or male features. The question is raised about the inequality of women and men in society, the reasons for this are being clarified. A separate part of the chapter is assigned to public perception of the role of women and men in society.
Gender identity
This chapter describes the process by which a girl and a boy accept a female and male role, that is, the process of sexual identification. The stages of the formation of the psychological gender are examined in detail. The influence on the formation of sexual identity in people of the means of information and regulatory pressure is considered.
Sexual differences in the emotional sphere
It's no secret that female emotionality is more complex than male. In this chapter you will find out how feelings and emotions of different sexes differ. The tendency of women and men to positive and negative emotions, expressivity will also be analyzed. It will be established which gender is better able to recognize the emotions of another person and has a better emotional memory.
Abilities of women and men
This chapter discusses the mathematical, spatial and verbal abilities of a person, refers to the female and male perceptions 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 say that few women have become famous and have achieved outstanding results in one or another sphere of life.
Personal characteristics of women and men
This chapter is one of the most interesting and contradictory, it presents the evidence and personal opinion of the author about which of the two sexes is the most deceitful, who is more aggressive (specific situations are considered), who have more motivation, as well as differences and features of motivation in men and women. Information is provided on who has the greatest willpower. The question is revealed whether it is true that a man is active and a woman is passive. This chapter breaks down the stereotype that women are more sociable than men. The chapter is devoted to personality differences between the sexes.
Communication Features
One chapter of the book is about gender-specific communication. The principles of choosing a partner for communication between adults and children of a female and male gender are analyzed. A comparison of the sexes by the level of cohesion is made. A study was conducted on how women and men evaluate other people of two sexes. The issue of the importance of communication for women and men is considered.
Behavior features
In life there are different situations in which the behavior of women and men is different. Why is this happening? The author describes strategies for behavior in difficult situations, and also considers options for psychological protection. Topical topics will be about what are the differences between women and men in the distribution of their time, in relation to fashion trends and others. Interest may be raised by questions related to the tendency of different sexes to crime and various addictions.
Sexual behavior
Previously, it was not customary to discuss sexology, however, just because of sexual illiteracy, it is difficult for partners to find mutual understanding in intimate relationships. In order for harmony in sexual relations, you need to be aware of the sexual characteristics of your partner. The chapter is devoted to differences in sexual behavior of different sexes.
A family
What ideas about women and men have about the family? How to distribute obligations and roles in the family? How to raise children? Where do crises come from in family life? Who often takes the initiative in applying for a divorce? Why can't the daughter-in-law get along with her mother-in-law? These and other important issues are discussed in this chapter of the book.
The last chapters are devoted to activities, physical education, comparative studies of women and men.