Abnormal psychology studies abnormal behaviors and psychological phenomena, aiming to understand their root causes, determine if they should be addressed, and develop treatment plans. The definition of abnormal behavior has changed throughout history, and psychologists use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual to diagnose and treat conditions. The field recognizes that there are many influences on […]
Interdisciplinary psychology combines psychology, cognitive science, and biology to treat patients holistically. Practitioners understand that physical and mental health are interrelated, and seek to discover how the workings of the mind affect and are affected by biological processes. Interdisciplinary psychology is the study of psychology as it relates to other areas of human experience. As […]
Psychiatric evaluations assess a person’s mental health status, often conducted by psychiatrists, but also by other specialists. They can be done for various reasons, including seeking treatment, legal purposes, or proving mental harm. Evaluations may include family history, physical exams, screening tests, and observation. They can occur in mental institutions, private practices, or outpatient settings […]
Developmental psychology studies age-based behavioral changes in people of all ages, observing behavior from before birth until after death. Researchers gather evidence through observation and study emotional, intellectual, moral, physical, and social development. The study is critical to understanding how humans mature and identifying problems with maturation. Research in this field can also explore developmental […]
Psychology professors teach psychology concepts to students at different levels, with a doctorate required for college-level teaching. They cover a range of topics, including introductory psychology, research methods, and specialized areas such as abnormal and developmental psychology, as well as social psychology and its impact on social issues. A psychology professor is a professionally skilled […]
Psychiatric aides provide direct care and supervision to patients with mental disorders, ensuring their safety and well-being. They work in various settings and may be responsible for personal care, recreational activities, and monitoring patients’ behavior. Training requirements vary, but most have a high school diploma and undergo extensive classroom training before working with clients. Some […]
Educational psychology studies how people learn and incorporates developmental, social, and abnormal psychology. It focuses on knowledge acquisition, school environments, and developing treatment methods. Educational psychologists may work in schools or as consultants, and typically hold at least a master’s degree. Educational psychology is a discipline within the larger field of psychology that focuses on […]
Qualitative psychology emphasizes individual experiences and uses subjective methods like observation and interviews. It aims to construct hypotheses through deep analysis rather than numerical evidence. Psychoanalytic theories rely heavily on talk therapy and subjective ideas. Qualitative psychology is not a particular, focused branch of psychology, but rather a way of approaching psychological research and theories. […]
A psychological contract describes the expectations between a company and its workers, and can also apply to other relationships. It starts in the interview process and can change over time due to business alterations, which can lead to dissatisfaction. A psychological contract is an economic and psychological concept which generally explains the relational dynamics between […]
Environmental psychologists study how the environment affects mental states, including color, sound, smell, and temperature, and use their findings to design environments that promote desired reactions. They require multidisciplinary education and research skills, and their job involves communicating with decision-makers and making recommendations based on feasibility and cost. The field is growing due to increased […]
Psychiatric assistants care for and monitor patients in mental health hospitals and group homes, providing daily care, administering medication or therapy, and conducting patient group therapy sessions. They must be prepared for crises and have a basic level of physical strength and fitness. Educational requirements vary, and the demand for psychiatric assistants is relatively low […]
Psychiatric nursing involves caring for people with mental illnesses, psychological disorders, and emotional distress. Nurses must attend nursing school and specialize in areas of interest. They develop treatment plans, administer medications, and lead group counseling sessions. Board certification is recommended for better job prospects and pay rates. Psychiatric nursing, also called mental health nursing, is […]
Psychological terrorism targets people’s mental well-being and can take various forms, from psychological warfare to fear-focused news broadcasting. It can leave lasting psychological trauma and is a form of terrorism that can be intentional or a side effect of other actions. Psychological terrorism is typically a form of terrorism that primarily targets people’s psychological well-being […]
Discursive psychology studies language use to understand psychological themes, such as attitude and memory, through interactions with people. It analyzes nonverbal cues and the relationship between speakers and subjects. It focuses on real-world conversations to reveal how issues are constructed as problems and how individuals hold responsibility. It also analyzes affirmations to reveal action and […]
Psychological manipulation involves coercive and deceptive tactics to control the behavior of others. Manipulators use tactics such as emotional blackmail and insanity to inspire guilt or foster insecurity in their victims. They often lack empathy and struggle to form lasting relationships. Psychological manipulation, also known as emotional manipulation, is a form of coercion or persuasion. […]
Psychological projection is when someone attributes their undesirable thoughts, feelings, and ideas to someone else. It can be a defense mechanism, but also destructive. It was developed by Dr. Sigmund Freud and can affect decision making and interpersonal relationships. Being aware of projection can be important in understanding others. Psychological projection is a form of […]
Political psychology applies psychological theories to political problems, analyzing the motives of politicians and public opinion. It has roots in sociology, anthropology, philosophy, international relations, and economics. Political psychologists can also provide analysis on current events and create tools to recognize corrupt leaders. The Summer Institute in Political Psychology is a popular school in the […]
Community psychology studies relationships within a community, between individuals and society. It aims to increase the quality of life by identifying and resolving mental health issues. It differs from public health and social psychology by focusing on mental health and problem-solving. Empowerment, social justice, and diversity are important goals for community psychologists. They quickly draw […]
Physiological psychology studies the biological basis of behavior, focusing on the brain’s electrical and chemical functions. It uses various techniques, including brain imaging and animal research, to study different psychological phenomena. Animal testing is a controversial ethical issue in this field. Physiological psychology is a branch of psychology that deals with the biological basis of […]
Psychological stress is caused by internal responses to external events and can have negative physical, emotional, and behavioral effects. Events outside of personal control, such as the death of loved ones or job loss, can trigger stress. Counseling and medication are treatment options. Psychological stress is a tension affecting the intangible self, caused by problems […]
