These are the waves which can interrupt smooth sailing of life. There
is no easy way of answering this question. Whether your goal is to give up
smoking, lose weight, or learn a new language, some lessons from psychology
offer tips for getting motivated and lead a quality life. In order to increase
your motivational levels and psychological wellness when approaching a task,
utilize following tips derived from research in all branches psychology.
Psychology is a useful tool for improving overall health. From ways to
encourage exercise and better nutrition to new treatments for depression, the
field of health psychology offers a wealth of beneficial coping strategies that
can boost you to be healthier, wealthier and happier.
Psychology touches almost every aspect o
f our life and is intimately
related to our day-to-day life. It helps in understanding and solving human
problems in different areas such as health, wellness, education, company,
sports, family, and environment. It tries to improve the quality of life,
improving our ability for adjustment and contributing towards enrichment of
journey called life.
There are many different fields of psychology and different kinds of
work that psychologists do. Psychology also plays important role in our lives
through its influence on life.
THE PSYCHOLOGY IN LIFE
Cognitive Psychology: This is one of the core branches of psychology. Individual
process information obtained from internal and external environment and acts
upon it and utilizes it. Classic areas of concern of this branch include
studies of memory, thinking and problem solving.
Developmental Psychology: This area is concerned with the way in which
human beings grow and develop through the entire life span. Thus developmental
changes in physical, social, emotional cognitive and personality functions are
investigated. The stages of childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age pose
different challenges before a person. He/she has to play changing roles and
meet new demands. The characteristics of development during the different
stages of development ranging from conception to death are investigated. The
role of heredity, environment and socio - cultural factors in determining developmental
outcomes is examined.
Social Psychology: This field is concerned with the effects of human interaction with others
on various psychological processes. For example, when an individual is with the
group of friends he/she may play joke or may indulge in deviant behavior but
avoids when alone. Some psychologists have investigated the impact of television
watching on the aggressive behavior of groups and communities Social psychology
also studies how people perceive each other, how they form attitude and
opinions how inter group relations develop ,how people behave in groups. People
also influence the behavior of others such as conformity, obedience and compliance.
Social psychology helps to understand group behavior and the role of leader.
Clinical Psychology: Clinical psychology is
the branch of psychology concerned with the assessment and treatment of mental
illness, abnormal behavior and psychiatric problems. Today clinical
psychologists form the largest group of psychological professionals. They are
concerned with the problems of mental disorder.
They also work in hospitals with psychiatrists and other health
professionals in the larger community. Clinical psychologists study the
problems of anxiety, depression, mood disorders and chronic illnesses (e.g.
Schizophrenia, mania, and paranoia). Many clinical psychologists practice psychotherapy
to help people overcome their illnesses.
Educational Psychology: Educational psychologist work with children and
adolescents in schools, colleges, nurseries, special units or in the home. They
collaborate closely with parents, teachers and the larger community. Their work
includes assessing a child’s progress at school, considering children’s
emotional and academic needs .They provide help and advice to facilitate
adjustment with the world. Educational psychology also deals with the problems
of underachievement. It studies the characteristics of class room environment,
teacher student interactions, study habits and the factors determining educational
attainment of students.
Industrial /Organizational psychology: This field of psychology
deals with the study of individuals at work in various types of organizations
including industries.
Organizations are created to achieve certain goals with the help of
people and technology. When people work
many issues emerge. I/O psychologists study the role of leadership, group
dynamics, organizational structure, technology, decision making and work motivation.
They work in academic institutions, industries or function as independent
consultants catering to the needs and solving various problems. Some of their work
includes selecting and training people for employment, advising on working
conditions of health, environment, motivational management and grievance
related matters. The studies on leadership and reward management have helped
organizations to grow and develop.
Counseling Psychology: It deals with individuals, families, couples, and
groups for solving psychological problems. Their main aim is to improve
people’s health, sense of well being, alleviate distress and help people solve
their own problems and take their personal decisions. For example, if you feel
that you are not being able to concentrate on studies despite all the honest
efforts made, you can visit a counseling psychologist for the remedy. They
would help you to manage the problem by yourself.
Health Psychology: Health psychology is
concerned with understanding how biological, psychological, environmental, and
cultural factors are involved in physical health and the prevention of illness.
While the physician treats a disease, a practicing health psychologist would
want to know more about the person with the disease. They might want to
understand their educational or socioeconomic background, the behaviors that
might influence the disease like compliance with taking medication, and the
biological reasons for the disease. By analyzing disease in the context of what
are called biopsychosocial factors, health psychology aims at helping to
improve overall health.
Nucleus of Psychological Applications
An instant manifestation will tell you that psychology is present is
our life in a momentous manner. It covers spectrum of human life and in order
to live a meaningful and quaility life and getting maximum growth and
development of both individual and society. It is a must thing to know the
psychological processes.
As a person grows and develops skills, proficiency, qualities,
attitudes, emotions etc. One cannot live without these and all are
psychological in nature. The answer to what we are and what we can become can
be obtained only through psychological exploration.
Likewise as a human being, we involve in a number of activities, team
up with others, live in groups, lead others and execute diverse roles. We
interact and influence others and also get influenced by them. Occasionally we
find that the goal is not achieved and feel frustrated and when our efforts
leads to positive outcomes we feel elated.
Psychology has advanced in such a manner that no area of life has
remained untouched. Psychologist are concerned with pure or basic research, designed
to help understanding the basic principle and developed stories while others do
applied research, which addresses itself to solving practical problems. The
core areas of study include cognitive developmental, social, comparative and physiological
and the study of individual differences.
