/opt/scribd/conversion/tmp/scratch24706/47539544.

doc -1-

Branches of Psychology
Because psychology is such a broad subject, different branches of psychology have formed to study
different aspects of human behaviors, thoughts and experiences. Learn about these branches of
psychology, including forensic psychology, cognitive psychology, human factors and much more.
Abnormal Psychology (3) Behavioral Psychology Biopsychology
Cross-Cultural Psychology (1) Forensic Psychology (4) Clinical Psychology (3)
Cognitive Psychology Health Psychology (2) I/O Psychology (2)
Human Factors Psychology (1) Comparative Psychology (1) Developmental Psychology
Educational Psychology (7) Personality Psychology Social Psychology
Sports Psychology (2)

Branches of Psychology
Overview of the Major Branches of Psychology
By Kendra Cherry, About.com Guide
There are a number of unique and distinctive branches of psychology. Each branch looks at
questions and problems from a different perspective. While each branch has its own focus on
psychological problems or concerns, all areas share a common goal of studying and explaining
human thought and behavior. The following are some of the major branches of psychology within the
field today.
1. Abnormal Psychology

Photo by Marcin Balcerzak/iStockPhoto

Abnormal psychology is the area that looks at psychopathology and abnormal behavior. The term
covers a broad range of disorders, from depression to obsession-compulsion to sexual deviation and
many more. Counselors, clinical psychologists and psychotherapists often work directly in this field.
• What is Abnormal Psychology?
• Mental Disorders
2. Behavioral Psychology

Photo by Kim Gunkel/iStockPhoto

Behavioral psychology, also known as behaviorism, is a theory of learning based upon the idea that
all behaviors are acquired through conditioning. While this branch of psychology dominated the field
during the first part of the twentieth century, it became less prominent during the 1950s. However,
behavioral techniques remain a mainstay in therapy, education and many other areas.
• What is Behaviorism?
• Classical Conditioning
• Operant Conditioning
• Reinforcement Schedules
• Behavioral Analysis
/opt/scribd/conversion/tmp/scratch24706/47539544.doc -2-

3. Biopsychology

Photo from the Wikimedia Commons

The branch of psychology focused on the study of how the brain influences behavior is often known
as biopsychology, although it has also been called physiological psychology, behavioral neuroscience
and psychobiology.
• What is Biopsychology?
• Neuron Basics
• Nervous & Endocrine Systems
• Structure of a Neuron
4. Cognitive Psychology

Photo by Bart Coenders/iStockPhoto

Cognitive psychology is the branch of psychology that focuses on internal states, such as motivation,
problem solving, decision-making, thinking and attention. This area of psychology has continued to
grow since it emerged in the 1960s.
• What is Cognitive Psychology?
• Careers in Cognitive Psychology
• Memory
• Intelligence
5. Comparative Psychology

Photo by Dimitri Castrique

Comparative psychology is the branch of psychology concerned with the study of animal behavior.
The study of animal behavior can lead to a deeper and broader understanding of human psychology.
• What is Comparative Psychology?
6. Cross-Cultural Psychology

Photo by B S K
Cross-cultural psychology is a branch of psychology that looks at how cultural factors influence
human behavior. The International Association of Cross-Cultural Psychology (IACCP) was
established in 1972, and this branch of psychology has continued to grow and develop since that
time. Today, increasing numbers of psychologists investigate how behavior differs among various
cultures throughout the world.
/opt/scribd/conversion/tmp/scratch24706/47539544.doc -3-

7. Developmental Psychology

Photo by Lotus Head

This branch of psychology looks at development throughout the lifespan, from childhood to adulthood.
The scientific study of human development seeks to understand and explain how and why people
change throughout life. This includes all aspects of human growth, including physical, emotional,
intellectual, social, perceptual and personality development. Topics studied in this field include
everything from prenatal development to Alzheimer's disease.
• What is Development?
• How is Development Studied?
• Issues in Developmental Psychology
• Child Development Theories
8. Educational Psychology

Photo by Heriberto Herrera

Educational psychology is the branch of psychology concerned with schools, teaching psychology,
educational issues and student concerns. Educational psychologists often study how students learn
or work directly with students, parents, teachers and administrators to improve student outcomes.
• Careers in School Psychology
• Jung and Learning Styles
• Multiple Intelligences
9. Experimental Psychology

Photo by Rich Legg/iStockPhoto

Experimental psychology is the branch of psychology that utilizes scientific methods to research the
brain and behavior. Many of these techniques are also used by other areas in psychology to conduct
research on everything from childhood development to social issues.
• Introduction to Research Methods
• Steps in Psychology Research
• The Simple Experiment
• Correlational Studies
10. Forensic Psychology

Photo by Julie Elliott

Forensic psychology is a specialty area that deals with issues related to psychology and the law.
Forensic psychologists perform a wide variety of duties, including providing testimony in court cases,
assessing children in suspected child abuse cases, preparing children to give testimony and
evaluating the mental competence of criminal suspects.
• Overview of Forensic Psychology
/opt/scribd/conversion/tmp/scratch24706/47539544.doc -4-

What Is Forensic Psychology?

•
The History of Forensic Psychology
•
Careers in Forensic Psychology
•
11. Health Psychology

Image courtesy Jessica Leung

Health psychology is a specialty area that focuses on how biology, psychology, behavior and social
factors influence health and illness. Other terms including medical psychology and behavioral
medicine are sometimes used interchangeably with the term health psychology. The field of health
psychology is focused on promoting health as well as the prevention and treatment of disease and
illness.
• What Is Health Psychology?
• Careers In Health Psychology
12. Personality Psychology

Photo by Igor Balasanov/iStockPhoto

This branch of psychology is focused on the patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behavior that make a
person unique. Some of the best-known theories in psychology have arisen from this field, including
Freud's psychoanalytic theory of personality and Erikson's theory of psychosocial development.
• What is Personality?
• Theories of Personality
• Personality Disorders
13. Social Psychology

Photo by Michal Zacharzewski

Social psychology seeks to explain and understand social behavior and looks at diverse topics
including group behavior, social interactions, leadership, nonverbal communication and social
influences on decision-making.
• What is Social Psychology?
• Research Areas in Social Psychology
• Love & Attraction
• Leadership
• Nonverbal Communication
/opt/scribd/conversion/tmp/scratch24706/47539544.doc -5-

Why Patanjali's sutras are called Yoga Psychology? Are they synthesis of psychology and
metaphysics?
Yoga Psychology - How does Yoga Therapy Work for Mental Health?

Yoga therapy or Yoga Chikitsa, is a way to gradually move the individual into a state of equanimity.
The mind is made stronger and less vulnerable to outside impressions by following an eight-step
process known as Asthanga Yoga.

The ‘Yamas’ are the essentially the rules of social conduct. They consist of non-violence, truthfulness,
control of sexual energy, non-stealing, and non-possessiveness.

The Niyamas are essentially the rules of personal conduct. They consist of contentment, purity, study
of spiritual principles, self-discipline, and surrender to God.

The yamas and niyamas are a systematic way for a Yoga Therapist to investigate different aspects of
the individual's psyche and world-view.

After the world-view is established, the Yoga therapist focuses on creating a regime that will best
assist the individual to harmonize their relationship with their external body. This is done through the
next steps of Asthanga Yoga know as asana.

Asanas are commonly known as the physical postures of Yoga. David Frawley, director of the Vedic
Institute in New Mexico, defines asana in its broadest therapeutic sense as the individual's right
orientation to their physical body. Once the individual has some basic mastery over the concept of
asana, the Yoga therapist may introduce the individual to the concept of Pranayama.

Pranayama is generally interpreted to mean the act of calming the disturbed flow of breath. This is
important as a disturbed flow of breath disturbs the mental process. Prana in its broadest sense,
however, refers to energy. Prana is also obtained through our food, music, sights we see, sensation
of the physical body, interaction with others and ourselves.

The next four precepts (Pratyahara, Dharana, Dyana and Samadhi) lead the individual to cultivate
mental strength and agility. This strength is needed for the individual to live compassionately and
sanely in the present moment. This state of living is known as enlightenment.

http://www.yogapsychology.org/yt_mental_…

So it is clear from the above explanation of the Yogic experts that the technique of Yoga are intended
to strengthen the body and mind and pave way for a harmonious personality free from physical and
mental afflictions.

The final stages of meditation etc up to Samadhi / enlightenment could be deemed as leading to a
metaphysical state of Oneness with cosmic existence. For obvious reasons of avoiding idle questions
of doubt, about the things not in sensory domain, the details of subtle experiences gained are not
normally elaborated in public sites.

But we know from elders / books of great authors etc, how in thier samadhi saints like Aurobindo,
Yogananda, Ramakrishna etc exhibited extraordinary effulgence and personal magnetism that made
people enjoy a strange peace and awe, etc, besides their doubts being cleared or illness / anxiety etc
/opt/scribd/conversion/tmp/scratch24706/47539544.doc -6-

healed!

As such, Yoga links the physical body with its external perceptions, the Mind with its innternal
capacities etc with the cosmic energy, sublimating the Yogi to a stage that can not be explained in
words and experiences familiar to us, being 'other worldly' as it were!

http://www.yogapsychology.org/yt_mental_… -- Yoga Therapy for Mental Illness

How does Yoga Therapy Work for Mental Health?
Yoga therapy or Yoga Chikitsa, is a way to gradually move the individual into a state of equanimity.
The mind is made stronger and less vulnerable to outside impressions by following an eight-step
process known as Asthanga Yoga. The following is a list of the eight limbs with a brief explanation of
their therapeutic benefits.
Limb Definition of Limb Regulates
Yamas are the essentially the rules of social
Creates a positive psychological
conduct. They consist of non-violence,
Yama atmosphere; Creates right relationships
truthfulness, control of sexual energy, non-
with others/community.
stealing, and non-possessiveness.
Niyamas are essentially the rules of personal
Creates a positive inner- Psychological
conduct. They consist of contentment, purity,
Niyama atmosphere. Creates an atmosphere of
study of spiritual principles, self-discipline, and
self-regulation.
surrender to God.
Physical health and well-being. In its
Asana can be considered the individual's right
Asana broadest sense this includes all aspects of
orientation to the physical body.
holistic care for the body.
Use and direction of energy. In its
Pranayama Pranayama is the right use of our vital energy. broadest sense this includes getting
energy from positive sources.
Ability to reject environmental stimulus;
Pratyahara Pratyahara-sense withdrawal.
develops discrimination
Develops discrimination and ability to
Dharna control of attention
focus
Dhyana meditation, right reflection Cultivates compassion
Samadhi right union Cultivates compassion
YAMAS & NIYAMAS
The first two limbs are known as the yamas and niyamas. They are considered the foundation of
stability and mental clarity. How diligently we adhere to them is reflected in the creation of our
psychological atmosphere. The Yamas are the essentially the rules of social conduct. They consist of
non-violence, truthfulness, control of sexual energy, non-stealing, and non-possessiveness. The
Niyamas are essentially the rules of personal conduct. They consist of contentment, purity, study of
spiritual principles, self-discipline, and surrender to God.
The yamas and niyamas are a systematic way for a Yoga Therapist to investigate different aspects of
the individual's psyche and world-view. Unveiling the individual's world-view and mental tendencies is
the foundation for all therapeutic work from a Yogic standpoint. This investigation may happen in
different ways depending on the specific training of the Yoga Therapist. Although not exhaustive the
following is a list of some of the ways this occurs:
/opt/scribd/conversion/tmp/scratch24706/47539544.doc -7-

• Those with dual training in psychology and yoga my engage in psychotherapeutic work.
• Those with Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy Training may use the body, along with specific
dialogue to discern world-view.
• Those with Raja Yoga backgrounds may use the study of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras as a Basis
for Exploring World - View.
• Those with Ayurvedic Backgrounds may discern world-view by working towards the application
of a Yogic lifestyle.
ASANAS
What we think of the world around us and ourselves determines how we treat our physical body. How
we treat our physical body determines our health, sense of wellness and ability to serve the
community.
After the world-view is established, the Yoga therapist focuses on creating a regime that will best
assist the individual to harmonize their relationship with their external body. This is done through the
next steps of Asthanga Yoga know as asana. Asanas are commonly known as the physical postures
of Yoga. David Frawley, director of the Vedic Institute in New Mexico, defines asana in its broadest
therapeutic sense as the individual's right orientation to their physical body. Creating a treatment
program that addresses the individual's orientation to their physical body begins to work on the
patient's lifestyle choices. These changes are the foundation of mental health from a Yogic
perspective. Any routine offered by a Yoga therapist will change over time.
Such routines may be based on one's constitution, the nature of the imbalance, age, digestive ability
and seasons. Lifestyle counseling may contain specific advise regarding the style and color of
clothing most suitable for you, appropriate employment, how to transition from home to work, pets,
spouse, surroundings, sleep, when the person wakes up, how they brush their teeth, method for
cleaning the body, application of oils, food to be taken, exercise, the best times for religious routines,
and how and when to sleep.
The traditional practice of asanas as physical postures is generally a part of any mental health
program. Asanas can be viewed as postures held for meditation and increased awareness of the
body. The Yoga Sutras define asana as a "comfortable, steady pose." There is no "one size fits all"
routine for people in the course of healing. An asana prescribed for one person with PTSD, may
aggravate another individual with the same disorder. Additionally, many of the practices of Hatha
Yoga, including asanas, are unsuited for individuals who have physical and mental illness.
PRANAYAMA
Once the individual has some basic mastery over the concept of asana, the Yoga therapist may
introduce the individual to the concept of pranayama. This concept is generally interpreted to mean
the act of calming the disturbed flow of breath. This is important as a disturbed flow of breath disturbs
the mental process. Prana in its broadest sense, however, refers to energy. Prana is also obtained
through our food, music, sights we see, sensation of the physical body, interaction with others and
ourselves.
Food as the source of energy for all of our life activities, becomes an important aspect of pranayama
when we are using the term in its broadest therapeutic sense as the right intake and use of energy.
Without right food no other healing modality can be expected to be helpful. The right food should not
have been exposed to any pesticides, irradiation, freezing, canning, no additives or preservatives, no
microwave ovens, no excess oil, sugar, salt or spices and no overcooking. Thee proper choice of
food will depend on one's constitution, current physical and mental imbalances, place one in living,
season, quantity of intake, digestive ability, method of intake, order of eating the food as well as the
way food is combined.
The attributes of your food (either fresh, stale, pungent, bland etc,) are believed to affect the quality
and state of ones mind. Additionally, the person's mind-set who prepares the food is believed to
determine how food will affect your mental condition. Because of this, eating in restaurants is highly
/opt/scribd/conversion/tmp/scratch24706/47539544.doc -8-

discouraged for all individuals suffering with mental illness. Individuals who are mentally or physically
ill are directed to only eat food prepared for them by someone who loves them.
Food is divided into three types: sattvic, rajasic and tamasic. Individuals with mental illness should
only eat sattvic foods as they alone allow for healing to occur.
Guna Type of Food Effect of Food
Sattvic foods do not agitate the mind. They are easy
Foods that are natural, not very spicy,
to digest and assist in the production of mental
sour, hot are considered to be sattvic
Sattva peace.It is believed that much of the mental chatter,
(fruits, nuts, milk, raw or steamed
anger and fear we experience as humans can be
vegetables, cooked grains, beans, cereal).
eliminated by eating a sattvic diet.
If these sattvic foods are mixed with a lot
of spices they become rajasic - creating a
These foods cause restlessness, pain, anxiety, fear,
Rajas restless state of mind. Rajasic food also
anger and disease
includes meat, fish, eggs, onions, garlic,
spices in excess, coffee, and tobacco.
Tamasic foods are stale, overcooked
burnt, overripe, putrid, rotten (such as
Tamasic food cause dullnes and laziness in both
Tamas moldy cheese and liquors). Tamasic foods
body and mind.
contain chemicals, excess white sugar
and processed refined packaged foods.
Other therapeutic practices include: praying before meals, eating quietly, never eating in a hurry or
when angry, fearful or over emotional.
PRATYAHARA
The next four precepts (Pratyahara, Dharana, Dyana and Samadhi) lead the individual to cultivate
mental strength and agility. This strength is needed for the individual to live compassionately and
sanely in the present moment. This state of living is known as enlightenment.
Pratyahara is the fifth limb of asthanga and can be thought of as controlling the five senses. By
controlling our senses we gain better control over the conscious mind and are aware of when we are
urged to fill sensory desires that may be harmful to others or ourselves. Emphasis is given to
cultivating those actions that are useful and peaceful and rejecting actions that cause harm. This
includes curbing violent images viewed on television or in films, being aware of the effects of other
people's emotions and the type of emotional and intellectual feedback we give others.
Pratyahara is believed to be the most important branch for the treatment of psychological issues.
David Frawley describes pratyahara as "the main method for strengthening the mental immune
system and has the capacity to ward off negative impressions, emotions and thoughts" Mastery of
pratyahara enable the individual to begin making better decisions regarding their choices of friends,
environmental stimulation and entertainment.
DHARNA
Dharna is the ability to focus the mind on a single activity. It could include such practices as focusing
the mind on the breath, a flame, affirmations, a prayer, or a mantra. These practices are often taught
as "meditation," but are more rightly considered to be techniques for the development of
concentration. Development of concentration is seen as essential in an individuals to work and
sustain meaningful relationship.
Yogic theory maintains that if an individual is unable to maintain mental focus they will be
unconsciously influenced by outside forces. The person without concentration has difficulty
discriminating regarding entertainment and is more susceptible to the effects of social conditioning,
/opt/scribd/conversion/tmp/scratch24706/47539544.doc -9-

and advertising. All good methods of dharna will release mental and emotional constrictions and
leave the person feeling refreshed.
DHYANA
The mind is said to be ready for dhyana, meditation, when one is able to sustain attention for over
one hour on their chosen object. During meditation the individual experiences a sense of oneness
with the object on which they are meditating. There is no way to "teach" true dhyana � it is a
spontaneous state of enjoyment.
SAMADHI
The eighth stage of Yoga is known as Samadhi, or right union. Samadhi results in a complete calming
of the mind. There are both lesser and higher forms of Samadhi.
Samadhi Commonly achieved in Results in
During this state dullness prevails. The mind becomes one
Mudha: sleep, coma, states induced with dullness and is lulled into a state of "awareness of
deluded by alcohol and drugs. nothing." Consciousness of the body is dulled or completely
lost.
The mind is engrossed in an external activity and loses all
work addiction, watching
perception of outside stimulus This is also evident when
Kshipta: movies, running, vigorous
individuals become obsessed with a great fear or any intense
distracted exercise of any type
emotion such as violence or pain - all of these activities can
(including power yoga).
become addictive as they calm the mind.
During this state the mind is absorbed in its own projections.
musings of the
During this state the mind is calmed by the intensity of the
Vikshipta: philosophers, creation of
stimulation. This samadhi cannot purify the consciousness. It is
imaginative artists and musicians,
also extremely addictive in Western cultures as it is considered
scientists etc.
the highest state of mind.
The mind is completely absorbed in its point of concentration.
There are no external or fluctuating mind waves. The individual
Ekagra:
meditation seeks no outside stimulus as it is totally involved in only its
one-pointed
point of concentration. All knowledge of that thing which has
been focused on is revealed.
Not commonly experienced, There is no desire, a state of complete contentment exists. The
Nirodha:
usually it is described as individual is completely full with their knowledge, awareness
calmed
"the indescribable". and bliss.