Different
Psychology Branches
Psychology is a field of study that deals with human mind.
It is believed that the field of psychology involves reading minds. Better
understandings of psychology have assisted the society function and grow
smoothly. There are various branches of psychology. Here are short descriptions
of ten major subdivisions of psychology.
Behavioral Psychology
It is the most popular term used for psychobiology, or
biopsychology or behavioral neuroscience. Aside from the mental processes, this
field of psychology
studies the behavioral patterns of people. Basically, treatment in
this branch is more physical, like chemical lesions and electrolytic lesions.
Abnormal Psychology
It deals with the behavioral abnormalities in a person, like
mental retardation, psychoses and neuroses. Treatment in this branch often
includes mesmerism and hypnosis. The abnormal psychology is also taught in
Human Resource Management and Law.
Cognitive Psychology
It is one of the latest branches of psychology that deals
with internal mental processes including language, problem solving, memory, and
visual processing. It basically looks into concepts like decision-making,
emotions, memory, aging, perception, etc.
Clinical Psychology
Clinical Psychology is the field of study that prevents,
understands and relives psychological issues in a person. Treatments used in
the sector include psychotherapy and psychological assessment. It also focuses
on administration, program development, forensic testimony, consultation,
teaching, and research. It is also known as counseling psychology.
Developmental
Psychology
It is the study of change in human’s psyche with time. This
field is also related to child care and development. This psychology branch
helps to understand the causes and effects of changes in a person’s life.
Community Psychology
The field of study that deals with the dynamics in a
community and psychology of individuals is known as community psychology or
critical psychology. It teaches the concept of interdependence, succession,
cycling, adaptation and diplomacy. It assists a community understand citizen
participation, social justice, and empowerment.
Evolutionary
Psychology
The evolutionary psychology studies the most primitive
psychological stimuli in people. This field deals with the adaptive skills of
human beings. For example, scientists believe that linguistic skills are picked
naturally by humans, but this doesn’t hold true with the case of reading and
writing.
Educational
Psychology
This sub-division of psychology is utilized in educational
institutions. It deals with sex education in children, adolescence, peer
pressure, gifted students, learning disorders, etc. Educational psychology is
also known as school psychology. In most of the cases, educational
psychologists work as school counselors.
Personality
Psychology
The field of personality psychology governs the personality
tests and legitimate IQ tests. This branch of psychology allows an individual
to see his own picture. It also deals with different personality disorders
including narcissistic personality disorder. It helps people to understand
themselves better.
Legal Psychology
Basically legal psychology is same as clinical and cognitive
psychology. However, it is the job of a legal psychologist to help in crime
investigation procedures. Legal psychologists provide extra push to the
investigation by judging the statements and testimonies of the victims or the
witnesses. Moreover, their job also includes understanding a victim or witness’
perception form legal perspectives.
About Author:
Scott Garcia is a career counselor and a blogger. Lean his thoughts on bachelor’s program in psychology.
