Psychology

Psychology is the science of behavior and mind. Psychology includes the study
of conscious and unconscious phenomena, as well as feeling and thought. It is an academic
discipline of immense scope. Psychologists seek an understanding of the emergent properties of
brains, and all the variety of phenomena linked to those emergent properties, joining this way the
broader neuro scientific group of researchers. As a social science it aims to understand
individuals and groups by establishing general principles and researching specific cases.

Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior, according to the American Psychological
Association. It is the study of the mind, how it works, and how it affects behavior.

The APA adds that it "embraces all aspects of the human experience, from the functions of the
brain to the actions of nations, from child development to care for the aged."

Fast facts about psychology

 Psychology is the study of behavior and the mind.

 There are different types of psychology, such as cognitive, forensic, social, and
developmental psychology.
 A person with a condition that affects their mental health may benefit from assessment
and treatment with a psychologist.
 A psychologist may offer treatment that focuses on behavioral adaptations.
 A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who is more likely to focus on medical management of
mental health issues.

Biological Psychology

These psychologists study the links between biology and psychology. Some examples are genes
and hormones. They may believe that parents’ genes may be the reason for your actions and
thoughts.
Evolutionary Psychology

These psychologists study the roots of behavior and mental processes through natural selection.
They may believe that since we originated from monkeys that may have to do with our behavior.

Psychodynamic Psychology

These psychologists study the unconscious that influences our decisions. This study helps people
with psychological disorders. Sigmund Freud is a big name in this field. A very interesting book
about the unconscious is Blink by Malcolm Gladwell.

Behavioral Psychology

These psychologists study observable behavior and how it helps you learn. This is one of the
most studied approaches of psychology. It’s easier to study, because it’s observable behavior or
something you can actually see.

Cognitive Psychology

These psychologists study all about thinking, knowing, remembering, and communicating. This
study involves the memory and our perception.

Humanistic Psychology

These psychologists believe people are driven because they want to grow and do their best. They
believe that people are constantly trying to grow or enhance themselves. Some people don’t
believe in this approach because they believe some people are not motivated and don’t care
enough to get things done.

Social-Cultural Psychology

These psychologists study how society and cultures affect our behavior and thinking. They
believe that people in the United States would probably think differently then those in Africa
about certain situations.
All of these approaches of psychology are studied and hold at least some truth to them.
Altogether they make who we really are. I personally believe that they all need to be studied in
order to fully understand ourselves. I believe all of these pieces affect the way that we behave. I
think some have more of an impact, but I believe they are all essentially true. It is up to you
which one you will use in your experiments or study on the human mind.

Why we study psychology

1. Understand yourself:- As you progress in your career and perhaps move into a management
or senior role, you’ll often be expected to make difficult decisions and work in high-pressure
environments. The way that you react in these situations is key to the success of your career.

Having an understanding of your own personality and an insight into your own behaviour can
give you a unique perspective on a workplace project or role. Using your knowledge of
psychology and behavior to recognize and acknowledge the underlying reasons and theories of
these traits can allow you to work more successfully in these different environments.

2. Understand others

If you’re considering a career in people management and human resources, you’ll require skills
in specific areas including conflict management, collaboration and leadership.

These skills are also very desirable to employers and managers, and an employee who is capable
of managing a team effectively while also fostering better workplace relationships is often highly
prized.

The knowledge and empathy gained on a psychology degree course can help you to build on
these abilities and thrive in these kinds of careers.

3. Grow your communication skills

Communicating effectively with others is a key skill in almost every workplace. This ability is
developed and improved by every psychology student, often without even realizing it.

An important part of producing content at a higher education level is the ability to structure an
argument, to discuss a topic clearly and objectively, and to reference relevant sources.
This method of communicating can then be transferred from the classroom straight to the office.

4. Develop the ability to research

The ability to research a topic or issue is often overlooked as a workplace skill, but it is a
valuable tool for both managers and employees. Through assignments and projects, a psychology
degree will help you to develop your ability to find sources, evaluate their effectiveness and
present your findings clearly and accurately.

Whatever role or industry you choose to pursue after your psychology degree, this skill will
allow you to review tenders, investigate potential projects and much more.

5. Refine your critical thinking

A good employee always evaluates every set of figures, concept and proposal that they receive to
ensure that they are making the best possible decision.

Critical thinking is a key part of a psychology certificate or degree programme, as students must
consider each source and theory that they reference or use.

By developing this skill with the help of a tutor and your classmates, you can help to avoid costly
mistakes later on in the workplace.

To Gain Awareness Of The Principles And Perspectives Through The Study

Of Psychological Theories Concepts And Research

Clinical psychology is the branch of psychology concerned with the assessment and treatment of
mental illness, abnormal behavior, and psychiatric problems. This field integrates the science of
psychology with the treatment of complex human problems, making it an exciting career choice
for people who are looking to work in a challenging and rewarding field.

Approaches

Clinical psychologists who work as psychotherapists often utilize different treatment approaches
when working with clients. While some clinicians focus on a very specific treatment outlook,
many use what is referred to as an "eclectic approach." This involves drawing on different
theoretical methods to develop the best treatment plan for each individual client.

Some of the major theoretical perspectives within clinical psychology include:

 Psychodynamic approach: This perspective grew out of Freud's work; he believed that
the unconscious mind plays an important role in our behavior. Psychologists who
utilize psychoanalytic therapy may use techniques such as free association to investigate
a client's underlying, unconscious motivations.
 Cognitive behavioral perspective: This approach to clinical psychology developed from
the behavioral and cognitive schools of thought. Clinical psychologists using this
perspective will look at how a client's feelings, behaviors, and thoughts
interact. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) often focuses on changing thoughts and
behaviors that contribute to psychological distress.
 Humanistic perspective: This approach to clinical psychology grew out of the work of
humanist thinkers such as Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers. This perspective looks at
the client more holistically and is focused on such things as self-actualization.

Counseling Psychology

Counseling psychology is a general practice and health service provider specialty in

professional psychology. It focuses on how people function both personally and in their
relationships at all ages. Counseling psychology addresses the emotional, social, work,
school and physical health concerns people may have at different stages in their lives,
focusing on typical life stresses and more severe issues with which people may struggle as
individuals and as a part of families, groups and organizations. Counseling psychologists
help people with physical, emotional and mental health issues improve their sense of well‐
being, alleviate feelings of distress and resolve crises. They also provide assessment,
diagnosis, and treatment of more severe psychological symptoms.
 Specialized Knowledge
Across all stages of development (i.e., childhood, adolescence, adulthood and older age),
counseling psychologists focus on:
 Healthy aspects and strengths of clients (whether being seen as individuals, couples, families,
groups or organizations.
 Environmental/situational influences (how cultural, gender and lifestyle issues shape people’s
experiences and concerns).
 Issues of diversity and social justice (e.g., advocacy).
 The role of career and work in peoples’ lives.
Developmental psychology

Developmental psychology, also called Life-span Psychology, the branch of psychology

concerned with the changes in cognitive, motivational, psychophysiological, and social
functioning that occur throughout the human life span. During the 19th and early 20th centuries,
developmental psychologists were concerned primarily with child psychology. In the 1950s,
however, they became interested in the relationship between personality variables and child
rearing, and the behavioral theories of B.F. Skinner and the cognitive theories of Jean Piaget
were concerned with the growth and development of children through adolescence. At the same
time, the German psychologist Erik Erikson insisted that there are meaningful stages of adult
psychology that have to be considered in addition to child development. Psychologists also
began to consider the processes that underlie the development of behaviour in the total person
from birth to death, including various aspects of the physical-chemical environment that can
affect the individual during the intrauterine period and at birth. By the latter part of the 20th
century, developmental psychologists had become interested in many broad issues dealing with
the psychological process throughout life, including the relation of heredity and environment,
continuity and discontinuity in development, and behavioral and cognitive elements in the
development of the total person. See also child psychology; psychological development.