What is psychology

Psychology is the science that studies the mind and human behavior, and that seeks to understand and explain our thoughts and emotions with the aim of improving our well -being and our social relationships.

Content

• What is psychology and what is it for
• What are the branches of psychology, which exist and what each one consists of.
  • Branches of fundamental or experimental psychology
  • Branches of applied psychology
• What is studied in the Psychology career
• What are psychological currents and which exist
  • Structuralism
  • Functionalism
  • Psychoanalysis
  • Behaviorism
  • Humanism
  • Cognitivism
  • Evolutionary Psychology
  • Cognitive neuroscience
  • Social psychology
  • Cultural Psychology
• How to know what psychological current suits me
• What are the differences between psychology and psychiatry
• History of psychology and its origins

What is psychology and what is it for

Psychology is a multidisciplinary science dedicated to the study of mind and human behavior, and that has its roots in philosophy, biology and other sciences.

Over time, psychology has developed as an independent discipline that addresses a wide variety of cognitive, emotional and behavioral phenomena, with the aim of understanding and explaining our thoughts, emotions and actions to improve our well -being and our relationships.

To achieve this purpose, psychology relies on a series of scientific methods such as observation, experimentation, correlation studies and neuroimaging techniques, which allow to systematically and rigorously measure the behavior and mental processes of the mental processes of individuals providing a solid and coherent panorama of psychological reality.

One of the most important functions of psychology is the prevention and treatment of mental health problems. Psychological disorders, such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders and addictions, affect millions of people worldwide and can have devastating consequences for both individuals and their family or social environment.

Through the study of risk factors, causes and mechanisms underlying these disorders, psychologists can design effective interventions and treatments that help improve the quality of life of those who suffer from them.

In addition to mental health, psychology also has applications in numerous fields, such as education, work, politics and sports.

In the educational field, for example, psychologists study how we learn and how we can improve our teaching and learning processes to facilitate the cognitive and emotional development of students, while in the workplace, organizational psychologists analyze how to improve motivation, the satisfaction and performance of employees, as well as design healthy and efficient work environments.

Learning styles test

On the other hand, social psychologists investigate how people's attitudes, values ​​and beliefs influence their political opinions and behaviors, and how public campaigns and policies can be designed that promote citizen welfare and coexistence.

Sports psychologists on the other hand, study how to improve the performance and well -being of athletes through the development of mental and emotional skills, such as concentration, motivation and resilience.

Psychology also plays a crucial role in personal development and self -knowledge, since, by exploring our own thoughts, emotions and behaviors, we can identify limiting patterns and beliefs that prevent us from achieving our potential and living a full and satisfactory life.

Psychotherapy, in its various modalities, is a valuable tool that allows us.

In addition, psychology offers us strategies and techniques to improve our communication skills and relationship with others; By understanding how our own minds and those of the people around us work, we can learn to be more empathic, assertive and respectful in our interactions, which contributes to build healthier and more satisfying relationships in our daily lives.

What are the branches of psychology, which exist and what each one consists of.

The branches of psychology are the different areas of specialization within this science, that focus on studying and addressing different aspects of behavior and human mind.

All areas of specialization of psychology are divided into two different groups or approaches: fundamental or experimental psychology and applied psychology, represent two different approaches within the field of psychology, each with their own objectives and areas of study.

Experimental psychology, also known as fundamental psychology, focuses on the theoretical research of the underlying processes and principles of human minds and behavior.

Its main objective is to develop a deep and broad knowledge of how these processes work, without necessarily focusing on the practical application of this knowledge.

On the other hand, applied psychology is based on the knowledge acquired in experimental psychology and seeks to apply them to real -world problems and situations. Its main approach is the solution of practical problems and the improvement of human well -being in different contexts.

Branches of fundamental or experimental psychology

• Development or evolutionary psychology: Examine how individuals change and grow throughout their lives in terms of cognition, emotions and behavior. This branch studies issues such as child development, adolescence, adulthood and old age, and how biological, social and cultural factors influence each stage.
• Social psychology: Investigate how people influence and interact with each other in social contexts, addressing issues such as social perception, attitudes, stereotypes, conformity, interpersonal attraction and group behavior. Social psychology has applications in areas such as politics, advertising and conflict resolution.
• Cognitive Psychology: Focuses on the study of mental processes such as perception, attention, memory, language, decision -making and problem solving. Cognitive psychology uses experimental and neuroimaging methods to investigate how our mind works and how we process information.
• Biological or physiological psychology: Analyze the relationship between biology and behavior, exploring how genetic, hormonal and neurological factors influence our emotions, thoughts and actions. This branch can address issues such as sleep, stress, motivation and biological basis for mental disorders.
• Personality Psychology: Examines individual differences in behavior, thoughts and emotions, and how these personality traits develop and manifest throughout life. Personality psychology can be useful for understanding vocational preferences, relationship compatibility and adaptation to different environments and situations.
• Neuropsychology: Study the relationship between brain and behavior, addressing issues such as brain functions, hemispheric lateralization and the effects of cerebral lesions on cognitive and emotional abilities. Neuropsychologists can work on the rehabilitation of patients with brain damage, as well as in the investigation of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Branches of applied psychology

• Clinical psychology: It focuses on the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders and emotional problems. Clinical psychologists work in environments such as hospitals, mental health centers and private offices, providing therapy and support for people who face psychological difficulties.
• Educational psychology: Study the teaching and learning processes, and how these can be optimized to improve students and emotional education and development of students. Educational psychologists work in schools, universities and other educational institutions, designing and evaluating educational programs, and supporting students, teachers and parents.
• Labor Psychology and Organizations: Apply psychological principles and techniques to the workplace, with the aim of improving productivity, job satisfaction and employees. Industrial-organizational psychologists can work in the selection and training of personnel, in the design of work environments and in the promotion of leadership and teamwork.
• Sports psychology: Investigate how psychological factors affect sports performance and how sport influences the mental health and well -being of athletes. Sports psychologists can help athletes improve skills such as concentration, motivation, stress management and resilience, and work with coaches and sports teams to optimize performance and group cohesion.
• Forensic psychology: Applies psychological principles and knowledge to the legal and judicial field, collaborating in the evaluation and treatment of criminals, the selection of jurors, mediation and crime prevention. Forensic psychologists can work in prisons, security hospitals, courts and government agencies.
• Health Psychology: Investigate the interaction between physical health and mental health, studying how psychological, social and cultural factors influence the prevention and treatment of diseases and the promotion of well -being. Health psychologists can work in hospitals, primary care centers and in the research of public health programs.
• Family and couple psychology: Family and couple psychology focuses on the study and treatment of dynamics and relationships in families and couples, addressing a wide range of issues related to communication, conflict resolution, the raising of children and satisfaction In interpersonal relationships. Professionals in this area apply their knowledge to improve the functioning and emotional well -being of families and couples in different contexts.
• Infant-Uponile Psychology: It is a branch of psychology that focuses on the study and understanding of cognitive, emotional, social and behavioral development of children from birth to adolescence. Children's psychologists apply their knowledge in various contexts to improve the well -being and adaptation of children and their families.

This is a non -exhaustive list of the most important branches of psychology. Keep in mind that there is great overlap and interrelation between the different branches of psychology, and since it is a constantly evolving science, new areas of specialization emerge as new discoveries are made about behavior and human mind.

What is studied in the Psychology career

The Psychology career is an academic and professional discipline focused on the study of human behavior and mental processes, its main objective is to understand and explain how we think, feel and act, both at the individual level and in interaction with others and the environment , and It covers a wide range of topics, such as human development, cognition, emotions, personality, interpersonal relationships, mental health and psychopathology, among others.

Social psychology and the reasons for our group behavior

When studying psychology, students acquire theoretical and practical knowledge in several areas of discipline, begin learning about the theories and fundamental concepts that underlie the different psychological currents and approaches to psychology, such as psychoanalysis, behaviorism, humanism, Cognitivism and evolutionary psychology.

In addition, given that psychology is an empirical science that is based on observation, experimentation and data collection to support their statements, students also learn to design, carry out and analyze research using various methods, such as experiments, studies, observation, surveys and interviews.

The ability to analyze and interpret data is fundamental in psychology, So students learn to apply statistical techniques and use specialized software to analyze and present the results of their research, they also study human development, focusing on how people change and evolve throughout life, from childhood to old age, and in the biological, cognitive, emotional and social factors that influence this process.

Another important aspect of the psychology career is the study of psychopathology and diagnosis, where students learn about the causes, symptoms and treatments of mental disorders, as well as diagnostic tools and criteria used in clinical practice. Psychology training also includes learning various therapeutic techniques and approaches used to help people face and overcome emotional, cognitive and behavioral problems.

Also Ethical principles and professional responsibilities that govern the practice of psychology are treated, such as confidentiality, integrity and respect for the autonomy and dignity of people. When completing the psychology career, graduates can specialize following a wide range of professional and academic trajectories, such as clinical psychology, educational psychology, organizational psychology and research, among others.

In many countries, as in Spain, for example, it is necessary to obtain a postgraduate degree in psychology or in a related field to be able to exercise as a psychologist. Depending on your area of ​​interest, you can specialize in clinical psychology, educational psychology, work psychology, sports psychology, among others. These postgraduate programs usually combine academic training with supervised professional practice, which will allow you to acquire advanced skills and knowledge in your specialization area.

In most countries, it is necessary to obtain a license or certification to exercise as a psychologist, or be attached to an official psychologists school; The requirements vary according to the country and specialization, but generally include the completion of an accredited postgraduate program, a certain amount of supervised professional practice and the approval of a degree or certification examination.

Secondary education students who consider studying the degree of psychology, must choose the optional high school subjects related to psychology, biology, statistics, mathematics and social sciences, since these areas are relevant to psychology training.

What are psychological currents and which exist

Psychological currents, also known as approaches, schools or perspectives, They are different theories and thought systems that try to explain human behavior and mental processes. Throughout the history of psychology, different currents have emerged that address and emphasize different aspects of human experience; These are the most important:

Structuralism

It was one of the first currents in psychology, founded by Wilhelm Wundt and Edward Titchener in the 19th century. He focused on analyzing the structure of the mind through introspection, decomposing the conscious experience in its basic elements, such as sensations and feelings.

Functionalism

It emerged as a response to structuralism and was developed by psychologists like William James and John Dewey. Functionalism focused on how the mind and behavior work and adapt to the environment, instead of analyzing the structure of the mind itself.

Psychoanalysis

Founded by Sigmund Freud, psychoanalysis focuses on the importance of unconscious processes, internal conflicts and early experiences in life to explain behavior and mental disorders. Psychoanalysis has influenced many other psychological currents and has given rise to various psychodynamic theories.

Behaviorism

This current, developed by psychologists like John B. Watson and b.F. Skinner, focuses on the observable and quantifiable study of behavior, leaving aside internal minds and processes. Behaviorism argues that behavior is the result of learning through interaction with the environment and that it can be modified by conditioning and reinforcement.

Humanism

It emerged in the 1950s as a reaction to behaviorism and psychoanalysis, and was developed by psychologists such as Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow. Humanism emphasizes the importance of subjective experience, self -realization and innate capacity of people to grow and develop their potential.

Cognitivism

This current, which emerged in the 1960s, focuses on the study of mental processes such as perception, attention, memory, language and problem solving. Cognitivism considers that behavior is the result of the way we process and organize information, and uses experimental and neuroimaging methods to investigate cognition.

Evolutionary Psychology

It focuses on how evolution and natural selection have influenced the development of mind and human behavior, seeks to explain universal patterns in thought, emotions and behavior through adaptation processes and survival.

Cognitive neuroscience

This current integrates cognitive psychology and neuroscience to investigate how structures and brain functions that give rise to mental processes and behavior. Cognitive neuroscience uses neuroimaging techniques and experimental methods to study topics such as attention, memory, language and emotion from a biological perspective.

Social psychology

It focuses on how individuals think, feel and behave in relation to others and in social contexts. Social psychology studies phenomena such as conformity, persuasion, attribution, social identity and interpersonal relationships.

Cultural Psychology

Examine the influence of culture in mental processes and behavior, seeking to understand how cultural practices and values ​​shape perception, thought, emotions and social interactions. Cultural psychology emphasizes the importance of diversity and cultural context in the understanding of human experience.

Brief review of the main currents of psychology

These psychological currents They represent different ways of addressing and understanding human mind and behavior. Throughout the history of psychology, each current has contributed to the evolution of discipline and has enriched the knowledge and understanding of mental processes and behavior. At present, many psychologists adopt integrative and multidisciplinary approaches, combining elements of different currents to address complex issues and offer a more complete understanding of human experience.

How to know what psychological current suits me

When a person faces a psychological problem and seeks help, It may be a challenge to determine which psychological current best suits your needs individuals, although fortunately, there are some guidelines and considerations that can facilitate the decision -making process.

The first and most important thing is to talk to a mental health professional, as a psychologist or psychiatrist, since these professionals have knowledge and experience in different currents and therapeutic approaches and are trained to evaluate the situation of each patient individually. By discussing the specific problem with a professional, they can offer us recommendations on which approach could be the most appropriate.

One of the things to keep in mind is that Many mental health professionals adopt an integrating approach to their practice, Which means that they combine elements of different currents and therapies to address complex problems and adapt the treatment to the specific needs of each patient. The advantage of this approach is that it does not require that the patient commits himself to a single psychological current, but allows flexibility and adaptability in treatment.

In any case, it is essential that the patient feels comfortable and in tune with the therapeutic approach that is chosen. The patient has to be willing throughout the therapeutic process, to communicate his concerns and concerns with the mental health professional, so if at any time the patient does not feel comfortable with the approach or the address of the treatment, it is fundamental to express those feelings to the therapist and explore other options if necessary.

You have to keep in mind that There is no single psychological current that is "the best" for all patients and problems, Each person is unique, and what works for some may not work for others. Finding a therapeutic approach that adapts to the patient's individual needs and circumstances they.

Keys to choose a good psychologist

What are the differences between psychology and psychiatry

Psychology and psychiatry are two disciplines related to mental health that, although they share similarities, also present some key differences in terms of focus, training and treatment.

A main difference between psychologists and psychiatrists lies in their training and education. Psychologists complete a degree in Psychology, followed by a master's degree or a doctorate in clinical psychology or in some other specialty, their training focuses on the study of human behavior, mental processes, psychological theories and evaluation and treatment techniques not pharmacological.

For their part, psychiatrists are doctors who have completed a degree in medicine and subsequently have made a specialization in psychiatry, so their medical training allows them to diagnose and treat mental disorders from a biological and pharmacological perspective.

Another important difference is found in the focus and treatment of mental health problems, while Psychologists tend to focus on the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders through psychological therapies and approaches, Like cognitive-behavioral therapy or humanistic therapy, psychiatrists address these problems from a medical and biological approach, using medications and other pharmacological treatments to address chemical imbalances and neurological conditions.

Besides, Psychiatrists, as doctors, have the ability to prescribe medications For the treatment of mental disorders, while psychologists do not, unless they are specifically authorized in certain jurisdictions. Psychologists can work in close collaboration with psychiatrists and other health professionals in the treatment of patients, complementing the psychiatrist's pharmacological approach with psychotherapeutic and behavioral interventions.

Both professionals can work in a variety of environments, such as hospitals, clinics, private offices, schools, companies and research. However, their roles and responsibilities may vary according to their training and specialization.

History of psychology and its origins

Although psychology as a scientific discipline is a relatively recent phenomenon, the history of psychology goes back to antiquity and its roots can be found in the philosophy and medicine of several ancient cultures.

The origins of psychology can be traced to ancient Greece, where philosophers such as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle reflected on issues related to mind, knowledge, perception and morals. These philosophers raised fundamental questions about the nature of the human being and laid the basis for posterior philosophical and psychological thinking.

During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, philosophers and doctors continued to explore issues related to mind and behavior. Avicena, a Persian doctor and philosopher, was an influential figure in the medicine of the time and contributed to the study of psychology by describing aspects of perception and memory in her writings.

Modern psychology began to take shape in the 19th century, When scientists and philosophers began to apply systematic and empirical approaches to the study of the human mind. Wilhelm Wundt, a German psychologist, is considered the father of experimental psychology. In 1879, he founded the first psychology laboratory at the University of Leipzig, Germany, and established psychology as an independent scientific discipline.

In later years, various currents and theoretical approaches arose in psychology, Sigmund Freud developed psychoanalysis, a theory that focused on the role of the unconscious and internal conflicts in determining the behavior and human experience. John Watson and B.F. Skinner were key figures in the development of behaviorism, a current that emphasized the role of the environment and learning in the formation of human behavior.

Later, in the 1950s, humanistic psychology emerged, led by figures such as Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow. This approach focused on human potential and the search for self -realization, highlighting the importance of subjective experience and personal growth.

In parallel, cognitive psychology began to develop in the 1960s, with the work of scientists such as Jean Piaget and Noam Chomsky, who investigated processes such as thinking, perception, memory and language. Cognitive psychology became an influential current that contributed to the emergence of cognitive neuroscience and evolutionary psychology in the following decades.

The history of psychology is marked by the appearance of various research techniques and therapeutic methods. From Wundt's first experiments to modern neuroimaging techniques and cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychology has made a long way in its search to understand and improve human experience.

Nowadays, Psychology is a multifaceted scientific discipline that continues to progress and develop As researchers continue to explore the complexity of human experience and as psychology advances in the 21st century, it continues to face challenges and opportunities in areas such as artificial intelligence, neuroscience, cultural diversity and mental health. Psychology also strives to address ethical and social issues related to research and psychological practice.