Do you know what psychology is? There are 95 branches of psychology, and each has its own focus. Some psychologists study the effects of different medications on the human brain while others analyze how different aspects of a person’s environment can impact their behavior. No matter which branch of psychology someone specializes in, they all aim to better understand the complexities of human behavior. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most popular branches of psychology and discuss what makes them so unique. Stay tuned!
Table of contents
What’s psychology?
The scientific study of the mind and behavior. Psychology is the study of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is a behavioral science that deals with the assessment and treatment of mental disorders. It also involves the study of normal behavior, as well as research on the nature-nurture debate, which explores how genes and environment interact to influence behavior.
Abnormal psychology
Abnormal psychology is the branch of psychology that deals with emotions, behaviors, and mental processes that are outside of the norm. It covers a wide range of topics, including but not limited to anxiety disorders, eating disorders, mood disorders, and substance abuse. Abnormal psychology is often used in clinical settings in order to assess and treat mental health conditions.
Activity theory
Activity theory is a branch of psychology that studies the relationship between mental and physical activity. It was founded by Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky in the early 20th century.
Activity theory holds that humans are active creatures who engage in activities to satisfy their needs and desires. This means that our mental and physical activity is not just a response to external stimuli, but something we do intentionally to achieve a goal.
Interestingly, activity theory has also been used to explain why some people seem to be more successful than others. The idea is that successful people are better at recognizing opportunities and mobilizing their resources to take advantage of them. In other words, they’re more active!
Analytical psychology
Analytical psychology is a branch of psychology that deals with the analysis and interpretation of the content of dreams, as well as the psychological meaning of symptoms and behavior. It was founded by Carl Jung, who is considered to be one of the most influential psychologists of all time. Analytical psychology emphasizes the importance of the unconscious mind in understanding human behavior.
Anomalistic psychology
Anomalistic psychology is the branch of psychology that deals with anomalous or bizarre psychological phenomena. This includes phenomena such as extrasensory perception (ESP), psychokinesis (PK), precognition, and clairvoyance. Anomalistic psychology also studies supposedly paranormal phenomena such as ghosts, UFOs, and other strange experiences.
The field of anomalistic psychology is relatively new, and its goals are to provide scientific explanations for anomalous psychological phenomena. Many scientists believe that there are natural explanations for all of these phenomena, and that they are not supernatural or paranormal in nature.
Applied Behavior Analysis
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a branch of psychology that focuses on analyzing and modifying observable human behaviors. It is based on the scientific study of behavior, which involves observing and measuring behavior in order to identify patterns and underlying principles. ABA practitioners use this knowledge to design interventions aimed at modifying undesired behaviors and establishing desired ones.
ABA has its origins in the experimental work of B. F. Skinner, who studied operant conditioning – the process through which reinforcing or punishing stimuli shape behavior. His research showed that behavior can be controlled through reinforcement or punishment, and that different reinforcement/punishment schedules can produce different behaviors. This groundbreaking work laid the foundations for ABA as we know it today.
Applied psychology
Applied psychology is the study and application of psychological principles and theories in practical settings such as businesses, schools, sports, health care, and human resources. It is a branch of psychology that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of psychological disorders.
Asian psychology
Asian psychology is the branch of psychology that studies the behavior and mental processes of people from Asia. It looks at the ways that Asian cultures differing from Western culture affects psychological trends, thought patterns, and behaviors. Researchers in this field often seek to understand how various aspects of Asian culture (such as Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and Hinduism) impact mental health andWell-being. Additionally, Asian psychologists may also focus on specific topics such as leisure activities, work-life balance, and cross-cultural interactions.
Filipino psychology
Filipino Psychology is a branch of psychology that studies the behavior and mental processes of Filipinos. It is a relatively new field that has gained increasing attention in recent years. Some of the areas that Filipino psychology investigates include culture, personality, psychopathology, and cross-cultural research.
One of the unique aspects of Filipino psychology is that it takes into account the cultural context in which behavior occurs. This means that it considers the influence of factors such as religion, family dynamics, social values, and national identity on psychological functioning. Another distinctive feature of this field is its focus on psychotherapy approaches that are specific to Filipino clients.
Behaviorism
Behaviorism is a branch of psychology that emphasizes the scientific study of observable behavior, rather than mental states or internal processes. It was founded by John B. Watson and Rosalie Rayner in 1920. Behaviorism grew out of the work of Edward Thorndike, who observed that animals seemed to learn best when their behaviors were followed by consequences (positive or negative reinforcement). Behaviorists believe that all behaviors are learned and can be changed through conditioning.
Behavioral genetics
Behavioral genetics is the branch of psychology that investigates how inherited factors influence our behavior. This includes studying both genetic and environmental influences on behavior.behavioral genetics hasroots in Mendelian inheritance, which was first shown in the early 1900s. However, it wasn’t until the mid-1900s that behavioral genetics really began to take off as a field of study.
There are three main approaches to behavioral genetics: twin studies, adoption studies, and molecular genetic studies. Twin studies compare identical twins ( who share 100% of their DNA) with fraternal twins (who share 50% of their DNA).
Behavioral medicine
Behavioral medicine is a branch of psychology that deals with the assessment, treatment, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders. It is also concerned with the promotion of mental health. Behavioral medicine draws on concepts from a number of other disciplines, including psychiatry, neurology, immunology, and epidemiology.
Biological psychology
Biological psychology is a branch of psychology that deals with the relationship between biological processes and psychological states. It is also known as physiological psychology, biopsychology, or behavioral neuroscience. Biological psychologists are interested in studying how biological processes influence the mind and behavior. Some areas of research in this field include the effects of hormones on mood, the role of neurotransmitters in mental health, and the neural basis of learning and memory.
Black psychology
Black psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on the psychological effects of being black in a white-dominated world. It examines the unique experiences and perspectives of black people, as well as the ways in which racism and discrimination affects their mental health.
Black psychologists are also interested in exploring issues such as self-esteem, racial identity, and the role of culture in shaping black people’s worldviews and behavior. Many black psychologists argue that traditional psychology has failed to take into account the unique experiences and perspectives of black people, and that it is therefore essential to have a field of study specifically devoted to understanding their mental health.
Cognitive neuropsychology
Cognitive neuropsychology is the branch of psychology that studies brain-behavior relationships in order to understand how cognitive functions are served by the underlying neural processes. Researchers in this field use a variety of techniques, including behavioral experimentation, neuropsychological testing, and brain imaging, to study normal and impaired cognitive functions.
Some common areas of research in cognitive neuropsychology include attention, memory, language, and executive functioning. For example, recent research has shed new light on how the brain processes attention and distraction; how different types of memories are consolidated and retrieved; how language abilities are supported by specialized brain regions; and how complex decision-making is influenced by activity in the prefrontal cortex.
Cognitive neuroscience
Cognitive neuroscience is the study of the relationship between cognitive processes and the brain. It is a relatively new field that combines techniques from cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and psychiatry. Researchers in cognitive neuroscience use a variety of methods to study the brain, including neuroimaging (e.g., MRI, PET), electrophysiology (e.g., EEG), and lesion studies.
Cognitive neuroscience has made significant advances in our understanding of how the brain supports cognition. For example, researchers have identified regions of the brain that are responsible for specific cognitive functions such as memory, attention, language processing, and decision making.
Cognitive psychology
Cognitive psychology is the study of mental processes such as “attention, language use, memory, perception, problem solving, creativity, and thinking”. Much of the work in cognitive psychology has been devoted to understanding how people acquire and use knowledge. Researchers in this field examine how people perceive information and how they remember and forget it. They also study how people solve problemsstring together symbols or images to form new ideas, or come up with creative solutions to difficult challenges.
Community psychology
Community psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on people and their interactions with their social environment. It looks at how factors like family, friends, and community can influence someone’s psychological well-being. Community psychologists work to promote mental health and prevent problems by tackling issues like poverty, racism, and violence.
Comparative psychology
Comparative psychology is the branch of psychology that studies how different species of animals think, feel, and behave. It’s a relatively young field of study, but it’s already shedding light on some of the profound ways that different animals view and interact with the world.
One of the most fascinating things about comparative psychology is that it often overturns our assumptions about what animals are capable of. For example, research has shown that dogs have a much richer emotional life than we previously realized, and that they’re able to understand human jealousy and commands better than most primates. Comparative psychologists are also learning more about how different animal species communicate with each other, which could eventually help us to better understand animal behavior in general.
Clinical behavior analysis
The scientific study of human behavior in its natural context. Clinicalbehavior analysts apply the principles of learning and motivation to identify practical, effective solutions to social and behavioral problems. They use these solutions to bring about meaningful and lasting change in individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
The field of clinical behavior analysis emerged from the work of pioneering psychologists B. F. Skinner and af Klinteberg ( coil), whose research laid the foundation for understanding human behavior as a function of its consequences. This research led to the development of principled interventions based on operant conditioning – interventions that have been shown to be highly effective in producing lasting change.
Clinical psychology
Clinical psychology is a branch of psychology that deals with the assessment and treatment of mental illness, abnormal behavior, and psychiatric disorders. Clinical psychologists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, and mental health clinics.
The field of clinical psychology has its roots in the late 19th century, when doctors began to study the effects of mental illness on the human mind. In the early 20th century, psychiatrists began to use psychological techniques to treat patients with mental illnesses. During World War II, clinical psychologists played an important role in assessing and treating soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Consumer psychology
The study of how people interact with products is known as consumer psychology. Consumer psychologists examine the effects that advertising and marketing have on people’s purchasing decisions, as well as the psychological factors that influence how people use and enjoy products.
Some of the issues studied by consumer psychologists include product design, packaging, pricing, and the ways in which words and images are used to sell products. In addition, consumer psychologists also study how buying habits are formed and how loyalty to certain brands is created.
Counseling psychology
Counseling psychology is a branch of psychology that deals with the assessment, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders. It also focuses on the promotion of mental health and the enhancement of human functioning.
Counseling psychologists often work in schools, clinics, hospitals, and private practice. They may provide individual or group therapy, conduct research, or teach courses in counseling psychology.
Criminal psychology
Criminal psychology is the branch of psychology that deals with the study of the mind of criminals and criminal behavior. It is a relatively new field that emerged in the early 1900s, and since then, its theories and methods have been used to help law enforcement officials understand crimes and apprehend criminals. Some of the most famous cases that have been studied using criminal psychology include the murders committed by Jack The Ripper and Ted Bundy.
Critical psychology
Critical psychology is a branch of psychology that takes a critical stance towards prevailing psychological theories and practices. It comprises various approaches and perspective, all of which share a common orientation towards emancipation, social justice and respecting human dignity.
The field of critical psychology emerged in response to the limitations of traditional psychological theories and practices, which tend to ignore or downplay important social factors such as power relations, oppression, and inequality. Critical psychology aims to address these issues by providing an alternative approach to understanding and researching human behavior.
Cross-cultural psychology
Cross-cultural psychology is a branch of psychology that examines psychological phenomena in different cultures. It is an area of research that has only been around for a few decades, but has already yielded some fascinating insights into human behavior.
For example, one cross-cultural study found that people from individualistic cultures (such as the United States) are more likely to blame themselves for setbacks, while people from collectivist cultures (such as China) are more likely to attribute setbacks to external factors.
Another study found that people from Eastern cultures are more likely to view themselves as interconnected with others, while Westerners tend to see themselves as independent individuals.
Cultural neuroscience
Cultural neuroscience is the study of how cultural influences and individual experiences shape brain function and cognition. It’s a relatively new field that combines neuroscience with social psychology, and it offers a fascinating look at how our sociocultural environment affects the way we think and behave.
Some of the questions cultural neuroscience researchers are interested in include: How do different cultures view the self? How does upbringing influence cognitive development? How does language shape thought? And how do our beliefs and values affect brain function? By exploring these questions, cultural neuroscientists can get a better understanding of how culture shapes cognition and behavior.
Cultural psychology
Cultural psychology is a branch of psychology that examines how culture shapes human behavior. It investigates the ways that cultural factors (e.g., nationality, ethnicity, religion, social class) influence thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Researchers in cultural psychology are interested in understanding how people from different cultures think about the world and interact with one another. For example, they might ask questions such as: How do North Americans and East Asians differ in their approaches to problem solving? How do Muslims and Christians differ in their perceptions of God? How do wealthy and poor people differ in their views of happiness?
Developmental psychology
Developmental psychology is the scientific study of psychological changes that occur in human beings as they pass through different stages of life. It examines the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes that occur from infancy to late adolescence.
developmental psychology is a branch of psychology that deals with the study of change and continuity across the lifespan. It considers how genetic dispositions and environmental experiences interact to produce specific patterns of behavior, thought, and emotion over time.
Differential psychology
Differential psychology is the branch of psychology that studies the ways in which people differ from one another. This includes their physical, cognitive, and social differences.
One of the goals of differential psychology is to identify which individual differences are most important for understanding human behavior. For example, intelligence is thought to be one of the most important predictors of success in life. However, there are many different types of intelligence, and some people are more intelligent than others in different ways. So, researchers want to know which specific differences in intelligence are most strongly related to success.
Discursive psychology
Discursive psychology is a branch of psychology that studies the ways in which people talk about and make sense of their own experience. It has its roots in linguistics and sociology, and it draws on a range of theoretical and methodological approaches.
Discursive psychologists are interested in the ways in which psychological phenomenon are constructed and sustained through language. They argue that our understanding of the world is shaped by the ways we talk about it, and that psychological phenomena themselves are products of social interaction.
Discursive psychology is thus concerned with the infinite variety of everyday forms of talk, including conversations, interviews, group discussion, argument, gossip, laughter, story-telling and so on.
Distributed cognition
Answer:
Distributed cognition is an area of psychological research that studies how cognitive processes are distributed across individuals and other members of a social group. The basic idea is that shared knowledge or mental models, as well as the use of communication and collaboration, can help people to solve problems and complete tasks that would be difficult or impossible to do on their own.
One famous example of distributed cognition comes from the field of air traffic control. Air traffic controllers need to constantly monitor several planes at once, keep track of their locations, speed, and altitude, and give instructions to pilots to keep everyone safe. They achieves this by working together as a team, using specialized computer systems, and following strict protocols.
Ecological psychology
Ecological psychology is a branch of psychology which considers the relationship between an organism and its environment. It takes into account both the psychological and physical aspects of the environment, as well as how both interact with one another.
Ecological psychology is particularly interested in how an individual’s environment affects their development, behaviour, and mental health. It also looks at how people interact with their environment, and how they can use this knowledge to improve their lives.
Ecopsychology
Ecopsychology is a branch of psychology that studies the relationships between humans and their natural environment. It is an interdisciplinary field that includes technology, social science, risk assessment, and architecture.
Ecopsychology explores the psychological effects of living in an industrialized society and the impact of technology on human behavior. The field also examines how humans can reconnect with nature to improve theirmental health and well-being.
Some of the challenges faced by ecopsychologists include climate change, environmental pollution, and biodiversity loss. Ecopsychologists work to find solutions to these problems that will foster a more sustainable future for all life on Earth.
Economic psychology
Economic psychology is the branch of psychology that explores how our economic decisions and behaviors are shaped by psychological factors. This includes factors such as emotions, attitudes, beliefs, and motivations. Economic psychologists study a wide range of topics, from individual financial decision-making to large-scale economic phenomena. They use their findings to help improve policies and programs related to economic issues.
Economic psychology is a relatively new field of study, but it has already yielded some fascinating insights into human behavior. For example, research in this area has shown that people are more likely to take risks when they feel good about themselves (a finding that has been used to develop interventions for people who are prone to making risky financial decisions).
Educational psychology
Educational psychology is the branch of psychology that studies how people learn in educational settings, how they are motivated to learn, and how teachers and schools can facilitate learning. Researchers in this field examine a wide range of phenomena related to learning, including cognitive processes, motivation, classroom dynamics, and educational policy.
Educational psychologists typically work in research institutes or universities, but some also work in government agencies or public- or private-sector organizations. They sometimes consult with educators and policy makers on issues related to educational policy and reform. Many educational psychologists also teach courses in their specialties at the graduate level.
Engineering psychology
Engineering psychology is the branch of psychology that studies human factors and ergonomics. It focuses on how people interact with technology and equipment, in order to design more user-friendly products. Engineering psychologists conduct research on a variety of topics, including human perception, cognition, attention, multitasking, decision-making, workspace design, and more. They work in many different industries, such as aviation, automotive, healthcare, manufacturing, and information technology.
The goal of engineering psychology is to improve the usability of products and systems, and to make them safer and more efficient for the people who use them.
Environmental psychology
Environmental psychology is the study of how humans interact with their physical surroundings. It is a relatively new field that seeks to understand how our psychological processes influence our relationship with the environment.
The field of environmental psychology has its roots in the early work of Gestalt psychologists such as Kurt Lewin and Max Wertheimer. These theorists proposed that our physical environment affects our behavior and cognition in significant ways. Their work laid the foundation for subsequent research on environmental factors such as crowding, noise, and pollution.
In recent years, environmental psychology has become increasingly focused on sustainability issues. Researchers in this area are interested in understanding how to encourage pro-environmental behavior and reduce human impacts on the natural world.
Evolutionary psychology
Evolutionary psychology is the scientific study of how human behavior and cognition evolved as a result of natural selection. It’s a branch of psychology that examines how psychological traits may have been favored or selected for in the past due to their adaptive value. In other words, evolutionary psychologists are interested in understanding why certain behaviors and cognitive abilities may have increased an individual’s chances of surviving and reproducing.
Experimental psychology
Experimental psychology is the scientific study of human behavior. The main aim of experimental psychologists is to understand how people think, feel, and behave in different situations. They use scientific methods to study psychological issues at both the individual and group level.
Experimental psychologists use a variety of research methods to study human behavior. These methods include surveys, interviews, observational studies, and experiments. In an experiment, researchers manipulate one or more variables (such as environmental factors, emotions, or thoughts) to see how these variables affect people’s behavior.
Experimental psychologists conduct both basic and applied research.
Experimental analysis of behavior
Experimental Analysis of Behavior (EAB) is a branch of psychology that is concerned with the principles governing the behavior of organisms. It uses principles from learning theory and experimental and statistical analysis to understand and control animal and human behavior. The focus in EAB is on understanding how environmental factors (such as reinforcement or punishment) affect the acquisition, maintenance, or modification of specific behaviors.
Forensic psychology
Forensic psychology is a fascinating branch of the field that explores how mental health and human behavior intersect with the law. Forensic psychologists may work with law enforcement, the courts, and corrections systems to provide psychological insights into criminal cases. They may also work with victims and offenders to provide counseling and rehabilitation services. With such a wide range of potential applications, forensic psychology can be an exciting and rewarding field to pursue.
Health psychology
Health psychology is a branch of psychology that deals with how psychological factors affect our physical health and well-being. It is a relatively new field of study, but one that is growing in popularity as we begin to understand more about the role our minds play in our overall health.
There are many different aspects to health psychology, but some of the most common areas of focus include understanding and managing stress, promotes healthy lifestyles, understanding and coping with illness, and managing pain. Health psychologists may work in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, community settings, or even businesses.
Humanistic psychology
Humanistic psychology is a branch of psychology that emphasizes the inherent goodness of people and their capacity for self-determination and growth. It provides a positive view of human nature, and it stands in contrast to more traditional approaches to psychology (such as psychoanalysis and behaviorism) which tend to focus on the negative aspects of human behavior.
Central to humanistic psychology is the belief that we are all capable of achieving our full potential if we are given the opportunity to do so. This positive view of human nature has led to a focus on topics such as self-actualization (the realization of one’s full potential), personal growth, and self-transcendence (the ability to see beyond oneself).
Imaginal psychology
Imaginal psychology is a branch of psychology that explores the power of imagery and imagination. It is based on the premise that our thoughts and feelings are influenced by the images we create in our minds.
Imageral psychology recognizes that we oftencovet what we cannot have, and explores the ways in which our imagination can be used to shape our reality. One of the goals of imaginal psychology is to help people learn how to control their thoughts and emotions, so that they can better manage stress and achieve their desired outcomes.
Some of the techniques used in imaginal psychology include visualization, guided imagery, and positive thinking.
Indian psychology
Indian psychology is a branch of psychology that is based on the philosophy and principles of yoga and Vedanta. The focus of Indian psychology is on the understanding of the individual self in relation to the universe.
Indigenous psychology
Indigenous psychology is an emerging branch of psychology that focuses on the study of indigenous peoples, their beliefs, values, and practices. It is rooted in the belief that all cultures have their own unique ways of understanding and experiencing the world, and that these ways are valid and should berespected.
Indigenous psychology has its origins in cultural anthropology, but it also draws from other disciplines such as sociology, history, and philosophy. Its goal is to provide a more complete understanding of human nature by taking into account the many different ways that people live in the world.
Individual differences psychology
Individual Differences Psychology is the branch of psychology that focuses on the differences between individuals. It covers a wide range of topics, including personality, intelligence, and physical differences.
Individual Differences Psychology is an important field of study because it helps us to understand why people are different. It can also help us to learn how to better deal with those differences. For example, if we know that someone is more likely to be aggressive, we can be more cautious around them. If we know that someone is more likely to be intelligent, we can seek out their advice more often.
Knowing about individual differences also allows us to have more realistic expectations of people.
Industrial and organizational psychology
Industrial and organizational psychology is a branch of psychology that deals with the workplace. Its main focus is on the study of human behavior in organizational settings, such as how people behave when they are at work, how they are affected by their working environment, and how they can be made more productive. Some of the other areas that I/O psychologists specialize in include personnel selection and training, job satisfaction, employee motivation, and leadership development.
International psychology
International psychology is the study of human behavior on a global scale. It involves looking at cultural differences in the way different groups of people think, feel, and behave. This is an important field of study because as our world becomes more and more interconnected, it’s increasingly important to understand how people from different cultures interact with one another.
international psychology also looks at how people from different cultures respond to stressors such as natural disasters or political conflict. By understanding how people from different backgrounds react to these types of stressors, we can develop better methods for helping them cope with them.
Investigative psychology
Investigative psychology is a branch of psychology that involves studying psychological factors as they relate to criminal investigations and crime. It includes aspects of both forensic psychology and law enforcement psychology. Investigative psychologists use their knowledge of human behavior to help solve crimes and catch criminals. They often work with police departments, district attorney’s offices, and private detective agencies. Additionally, they may provide consulting services to legal professionals such as lawyers and judges.
Some of the main goals of investigative psychologists are to understand how criminals think and why they commit crimes. They also strive to develop methods for interrogation and detection that are more effective than traditional methods. Additionally, they aim to improve the accuracy of eyewitness testimony through research on memory and human perception.
Legal psychology
Legal psychology is a branch of psychology that deals with the psychological factors that influence the legal process. It is a relatively new field that emerged in the 1990s, and it encompasses a wide range of topics, including eyewitness testimony, jury decision-making, forensic evidence, and attorney decision-making.
One of the primary goals of legal psychology is to improve the accuracy and reliability of legal judgments. Another goal is to identify and reduce potential sources of bias in the legal system. Legal psychologists also aim to improve communication between attorneys and jurors, as well as between attorneys and expert witnesses.
Mathematical psychology
Mathematical psychology is a branch of psychology that deals with the mathematical modeling of psychological phenomena. In other words, it is the application of mathematics to the study of human behavior.
The goal of mathematical psychology is to develop theories that can describe and predict behavior. To do this, psychologists use a variety of mathematical tools, including differential equations, game theory, and Q-analysis.
Differential equations are used to describe how two or more variables change over time. For example, a differential equation could be used to describe how someone’s level of anxiety changes over time in response to different stressors.
Game theory is a branch of mathematics that deals with the analysis of competition and cooperation between different individuals or groups.
Media psychology
Answer: Media psychology is the branch of psychology that studies how people interact with media and technology. It explores how our brains process information from different media, including television, movies, radio, music, video games, and the Internet. Additionally, media psychologists work to understand why we behave the way we do when using different forms of media. This can involve studying everything from how violence in media affects aggression to whether social media addiction is a real phenomenon.
Media psychology is a relatively new field that is constantly evolving as our relationship with technology changes. As such, there are many different subfields with in media psychology, each with its own focus.
Medical psychology
Medical psychology is the branch of psychology that deals with the interface between mental health and physical health. It is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders in patients who have physical illnesses, and with the assessment and treatment of psychological factors in physical illness.
Medical psychologists may work in any number of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practice, research institutes, and government agencies. They may be involved in assessment, diagnosis, intervention (both pharmacological and non-pharmacological), consultation-liaison services, teaching, or research. Some medical psychologists are also qualified to offer expert testimony in legal proceedings.
Military psychology
Military psychology is a branch of psychology that deals with the unique challenges and needs of soldiers, veterans, and their Families. Military psychologists work to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health issues among service members and grill sponges.zucchini Historically, mental health professionals in the military have focused on identifying individuals at risk for developing psychiatric disorders and providing treatment to those who are already experiencing symptoms. However, contemporary military psychologists also focus much of their work on promoting wellness among service members and preventing psychological problems before they start. pricklebacks
Today, Military psychologists are involved with virtually every aspect of military life. They work with service members who are struggling with adjustment to military life, trauma resulting from combat or other deployments.
Moral psychology
Moral psychology is the branch of psychology that explores the origins and nature of our ethical and moral beliefs and judgments. It covers a wide range of topics, including the evolution of morality, altruism and empathy, conscience formation, Moral relativism vs. absolutism, the psychological effects of obeying or violating moral norms, explanation studies such as the trolley car problem. Researchers in this field also strive to better understand why people cooperate with others and engage in pro-social behavior. A detailed understanding of moral psychology can help us design programs and public policies that encourage more decency, honesty, cooperation, and altruism in society.
Motivation
Motivation psychology is the branch of psychology that deals with the study of motivation, or the psychological forces that activate and direct behavior. Motivation is what moves us to action, and it can come from within (intrinsic motivation) or from external factors (extrinsic motivation).
Intrinsic motivation refers to the desire to do something because we find it inherently satisfying or enjoyable. Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, comes from external factors such as rewards or punishments. It’s important to note that extrinsic motivators are not always bad, but they can often be less effective than intrinsic motivators in terms of sustaining long-term interest and engagement in a task.
Music psychology
Music psychology is the scientific study of how people interact with music. It can involve studying how music affects our emotions, behaviours, and thoughts. It also looks at how music therapy can be used to treat mental health conditions. Music psychology is a relatively new field, and there is still much researchers don’t know about it. However, there is evidence that suggests music can have a powerful effect on our wellbeing. For example, listening to music has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and boost cognitive performance.
Music psychology is an important field of research because it shedding light on how music affects us psychologically.
Neuropsychology
Originally developed as a medical specialty, Neuropsychology is currently recognized as a branch of psychology. It is the scientific study of the relationships between behaviour, emotion, and cognition on the one hand, and brain structure and function on the other.
A Neuropsychologist often works with people who have suffered some sort of brain injury, stroke or disease – such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease or multiple sclerosis – to help them understand and cope with any resulting changes in their thinking skills, emotions or behaviour. However, neuropsychologists also work with people who do not have any neurological problems; for example, children with learning difficulties or adults with psychiatric disorders.
Occupational health psychology
Occupational health psychology is a branch of psychology that is dedicated to understanding and improving the psychological well-being of workers. It focuses on factors such as job demands, stress, workloads, and organizational policies and practices that can impact employee mental health and work productivity.
One of the main goals of occupational health psychology is to help employers create healthy and productive work environments that promote employee mental health and wellbeing. This can be done by implementing programs and policies that reduce stress levels, improve work/life balance, and increase worker satisfaction.
Parapsychology
Parapsychology is the study of paranormal and psychic phenomena. This includes abilities such as extrasensory perception (ESP), clairvoyance, psychokinesis, and precognition.
Parapsychologists believe that these abilities are real and that they can be used to improve our understanding of the world around us. There is a lot of debate surrounding parapsychology, but many scientists believe that there is enough evidence to support the existence of these abilities.
There are many different theories about how these abilities work, but one popular theory is that they are accessed through a different kind of consciousness.
Peace psychology
Peace psychology is a branch of psychology that deals with the study of peace and violence. It looks at the different ways in which people can achieve peace, as well as how to prevent or reduce violence.peace psychologists often work with communities, organisations and governments to promote peace and conflict resolution. They may also conduct research into the causes of violence and aggression, in order to find more effective ways of preventing it.
Performance psychology
Performance psychology is the scientific study of human performance in various settings, including sports, business, the performing arts, and more. It is concerned with understanding the factors that contribute to peak performance, and improving those factors through psychological interventions.
The field of performance psychology has grown tremendously in recent years, as more and more people seek to optimize their performance in various domains.Sports psychology is one of the most popular sub-fields within performance psychology, and it has been shown to have a major impact on athletic success. Businesses are also increasingly turning to performance psychologists to help employees reach their full potential.
Personality psychology
Personality psychology is a branch of psychology that deals with the study of personality and individual differences. It is one of the largest and most popular branches of psychology.
Personality psychologists are interested in understanding the various factors that make each person unique. They study things like what makes people happy, how they cope with stress, and what motivates them. They also examine how different personality traits affect people’s behavior and relationships.
Physiological psychology
Physiological psychology is the study of the relationships between psychological processes and bodily systems. It is a branch of psychology that deals with the physical and chemical bases of behavior.
Physiological psychologists use techniques from physiology, pharmacology, and neuroscience to investigate how the nervous system works. They are interested in how changes in the body (such as hormone levels) can affect psychological processes (such as mood or memory).
Police psychology
Police Psychology is a branch of psychology that deals with the study of human behavior in relation to law enforcement. It is mainly concerned with the psychological impact of police work on officers and staff, as well as the psychological effects of police stress on the general public.
Police psychologists are often involved in helping officers deal with stressful situations, such as dealing with traumatic events or community storms. They may also provide training to officers on how to deal with high-pressure situations, such as hostage negotiations or active shooter scenarios. Additionally, police psychologists may help select and assess new recruits to ensure they are psychologically fit for duty.
Political psychology
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Political psychology is the study of the psychological influences on individuals’ political beliefs and behavior. It is a relatively new field that incorporates insights from both psychology and political science. Political psychologists use research methods from a variety of disciplines, including experiments, surveys, interviews, and observation, to examine such topics as voting behavior, international conflict, public opinion, leadership effectiveness, campaign messaging, and legislative decision-making.
political psychology has attracted a great deal of interest in recent years as we try to understand the causes of some of the most consequential political events in history. For example, why did Nazi Germany persecutor innocent Jewish people during World War II?
Popular psychology, self-help, and alternative therapy
Popular psychology, self-help, and alternative therapy are all branches of psychology that focus on helping people improve their mental and emotional well-being. Each approach has its own unique methods and techniques, but they all share the goal of helping people feel happier and more fulfilled in their lives.
Popular psychology is the study of how people think, feel, and behave. It covers a wide range of topics, including human development, personality assessment, social cognition, emotions, motivations, and psychopathology. Self-help books and articles often draw upon the insights of popular psychology to provide advice on how to improve one’s life.
Positive psychology
In short, positive psychology is the branch of psychology that studies what makes life worth living. This includes both individual happiness and thriving communities. Positive psychologists use scientific research to identify different ways to help people feel happier and more fulfilled. Some popular techniques include training in positive thinking, gratitude, and empathy.
Positive psychology has its roots in humanistic psychology, which emphasized personal growth and self-actualization. However, whereas humanistic psychology focused mainly on boosting individuals’ self-esteem, positive psychology aims to increase overall happiness and well-being. In other words, humanistic psychologists tried to make people feel good about themselves, whereas positive psychologists want to make people actually happy.
Pre- and perinatal psychology
Pre- and perinatal psychology is the branch of psychology that focuses on the psychological development of children from before birth up to adolescence. This field of study examines how different prenatal, postnatal, and early childhood experiences can impact later development. Researchers in this field may study such topics as attachment, bonding, temperament, and early brain development.
Problem solving
Problem solving psychology is the study of how people think, learn, and solve problems. It’s a branch of psychology that focuses on the cognitive processes that underlie problem solving.
Problem solving is a critical skill for everyday life. It helps us to navigate challenges and find solutions to difficult problems. The field of problem solving psychology seeks to understand the thought processes that allow us to solve problems efficiently and effectively. Researchers in this field study a variety of factors including creativity, intelligence, learning strategies, and cognitive biases.
Psychoanalysis
Psychoanalysis is a branch of psychology that emphasizes the role of the unconscious mind in determining behavior. It was founded by Sigmund Freud, who theorized that the human mind is divided into three parts: the id, the ego, and the superego. The id is the part of the mind that is driven by instinctual desires, while the ego is responsible for reality testing and moderating between the id and superego. The superego represents society’s standards and morals.
Psychohistory
Psychohistory is the branch of psychology that studies the psychological factors behind history. It allows us to understand how individuals and groups behaved in the past, and how those behaviors have shaped our present. By understanding the psychological factors behind history, we can gain insights into human behavior that can help us navigate the future.
Psycholinguistics
Psycholinguistics is the study of how humans produce, comprehend, and use language. It’s a branch of psychology that combines linguistics (the study of language) with cognitive science (the study of the mind).
One of the main goals of psycholinguistics is to understand how human beings are able to learn and use language. Researchers in this field are interested in questions such as: How do children learn to speak? How do adults understand spoken language? How does the brain process language? And how does language affect thought and cognition?
Psychology and law
The branch of psychology that deals with the legal system is known as forensic psychology. Forensic psychologists work within the criminal justice system to assess and treat criminal offenders, as well as to provide expert testimony in criminal trials. They may also work with victims of crime, or with law enforcement officials in order to help them better understand and deal with criminals.
Psychology of art
The psychology of art is a branch of psychology that studies the effects that art has on humans. Some of the topics that this field of study covers include how different types of art can affect emotions, how artwork can be used for self-expression, and how viewing or creating art can change a person’s mood or mindset.
Many experts believe that the psychological effects of art are far-reaching, and that it can be used to not only improve mental health, but also to help people process difficult emotions and experiences. In fact, some therapists even use artwork as part of their treatment plans.
Psychology of eating meat
The psychology of eating meat is a branch of psychology that examines the motivations, thoughts and feelings behind meat consumption. Some psychologists who study this topic argue that eating meat is an irrational act that stems from cognitive biases and confirmation bias, while others posit that meat consumption is a rational choice that is based on the weighing of pros and cons. Still others maintain that the decision to eat meat or not eat meat is largely driven by cultural influences.
Psychology of religion
Psychology of religion is the branch of psychology that studies religious experience and behavior.
Religious beliefs and practices are important features of all cultures, and they can have a powerful influence on both individuals and groups. Therefore, it’s not surprising that psychologists have been interested in studying religion since the early days of the field.
The psychological study of religion began in earnest in the late 19th century, with William James’ seminal work “The Varieties of Religious Experience.” In the years since then, psychologists have looked at religious belief from a number of different perspectives, including cognitive, developmental, social, and clinical.
Psychometrics
Psychometrics is a branch of psychology that deals with the measurement and assessment of mental abilities and personality traits. The term psychometrics comes from the Greek words for mind (psyche) and measure (metron). Psychiatrists and other mental health professionals use psychometric tests to diagnose conditions like depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. They also use them to measure things like intelligence, aptitude, and personality traits.
Aptitude tests are one type of psychometric test. They are commonly used to predict how well someone will do in a particular job or task. For example, an aptitude test might be used to determine whether someone has the potential to be a good doctor or lawyer.
Psychonomics
Psychonomics is a branch of psychology that deals with the study of cognitive processes, such as decision making, problem solving, and memory. It also examines how these processes are affected by motivation and emotion.
Psycho-oncology
Psycho-oncology is a branch of psychology that focuses on the psychological impact of cancer. This can include the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, as well as the long-term effects of cancer on patients and their families. Psycho-oncologists work with patients to help them cope with the psychological challenges associated with cancer. They may also provide support to family members who are struggling to deal with a loved one’s diagnosis. Psycho-oncology is a relatively new field, but it is growing rapidly in response to the increasing prevalence of cancer.
Psychopathology
Psychopathology is the scientific study of mental disorders. It is a branch of psychology that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders. Psychopathology is also concerned with the understanding of abnormal behavior from a psychological perspective.
Psychophysics
Psychophysics is the scientific study of how people perceive the physical world. It’s a branch of psychology that examines the relationship between physical stimuli and the psychological sensations and perceptions that they produce.
Psychophysical experiments are used to measure things like the thresholds of sensation, the just-noticeable difference between two stimuli, and the relationship between stimulus intensity and subjective intensity ratings. Psychophysical techniques can also be used to study perceptual illusions and hallucinations.
Psychophysiology
Psychophysiology is the study of the relationship between psychological processes and physiological processes. It is a branch of psychology that deals with the interactions between mental and physical states.
The term psychophysiology was first coined by Wilhelm Wundt in 1874. Early research in psychophysiology involved studying the relationship between heart rate and mental activity. Today, psychophysiology includes a wide range of topics, such as stress, emotions, cardiovascular health, breathing, sleep, and pain.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a branch of psychology that deals with the study and treatment of mental disorders. It is a form of talk therapy that involves discussing your thoughts and feelings with a mental health professional.
Psychotherapy may be used to treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, addiction, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can help you understand your thoughts and emotions better, work through difficult life experiences, and develop better coping skills.
Quantitative psychology
Quantitative psychology is a branch of psychology that uses mathematical and statistical methods to understand psychological phenomena. It includes the study of psychological measurement, psychometrics, statistical methods, and research design. Quantitative psychologists work in a variety of settings, including universities, hospitals, government agencies, and private businesses. They often collaborate with other scientists to conduct research on topics such as mental disorders, cognitive abilities, personality traits, and social attitudes.
School psychology
School psychology is the application of psychological principles and methods to educational settings. It is a branch of psychology that deals with the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of psychological disorders in students. School psychologists are trained in both child development and assessment, which allows them to identify problems early on and provide interventions before academic or behavioral difficulties become more severe.
Sensation and perception
Sensation and Perception psychology is a branch of psychology that deals with the way in which we take in information through our senses, and the way in which we then interpret that information. It covers topics such as how we see things, how we hear things, how our sense of smell works, and how our sense of taste works. It can also delve into more complex areas such as optical illusions and how the mind can sometimes play tricks on us.
Situated cognition
Situated cognition is a branch of psychology that focuses on how humans learn and remember information in specific contexts. This approach emphasizes the importance of real-world experiences and scenarios in cognitive development. research suggests that our ability to recalls certain details and “mental models” diminishes when we encounter them outside of the context in which we originally learned about them. In contrast, those details are more likely to be remembered if they are presented to us again within the same or similar contextual framework. For example, you would be more likely to remember how to complete a task if you were shown how to do it in the same situation where you will need to complete it, rather than being shown a series of photos or drawings that depict the task.
Social psychology
Social psychology is the scientific study of how people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others. In this definition, scientific refers to the empirical investigation using the scientific method. The terms thoughts, feelings, and behaviors include all psychological variables that can be measured in a human being. The influence of others can be direct (when we see them) or indirect (when we think about their opinions).
Social Psychology is sometimes confused with Sociology. So it is important to understand the key differences between these two disciplines:
Sociology looks at behavioral patterns in areas such as class structure and family relations. In contrast, social psychology focuses on individual behavior and mental processes.
Social neuroscience
Social neuroscience is the branch of psychology that focuses on understanding the social aspects of human behavior from a neurological perspective. This includes studying how the brain processes social information and how this affects our behavior.
Recent advances in cognitive neuroscience have allowed researchers to investigate social phenomena at a level of detail not possible before. This has led to a greater understanding of how we interact with others, how we make decisions in groups, and how social media can influence our behavior.
The study of social neuroscience is still in its early stages, but it has already provided insights into some of the most complex aspects of human behavior. It is an exciting area of research that hold promise for furthering our understanding of ourselves and others.
Sport psychology
Sport psychology is the study of how psychological factors affect performance and how participation in sport and exercise can affect psychological state. It is a branch of psychology that deals with the mental aspects of sports and physical activity. Sport psychologists help athletes mentally prepare for a competition, deal with injuries, stress and anxiety, and improve their self-confidence. They are also responsible for working with coaches to develop optimal training programs for athletes.
Systems psychology
Systems psychology is a branch of psychology that deals with the study of systems, including the interaction between the system and its environment.
Systems psychologists are interested in how systems change over time, in what ways they are stable or unstable, and in how their parts interact to produce overall behavior. They use both quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze data, looking for patterns of behavior at different levels of analysis (individuals, groups, organizations, communities).
Theoretical psychology
Theoretical psychology is a branch of psychology that deals with the theoretical underpinnings of mental phenomena. It is concerned with developing and testing theories that can explain psychological processes. Theories in this area of psychology often seek to explicate how the mind works, what causes our mental states and behaviors, and how we can change them.
Traffic psychology
Traffic psychology is a branch of psychology that studies the behaviors and psychological factors associated with road users. It aims to understand why drivers behave the way they do, and to use this knowledge to make roads safer.
The field of traffic psychology began to grow in the 1970s, as concerns about road safety increased. Since then, Traffic psychologists have made many contributions to our understanding of driver behavior. They have studied factors such as distraction, aggression, drowsiness, and alcohol use; and their findings have helped to shape traffic safety policy around the world.
Transpersonal psychology
Transpersonal psychology is a branch of psychology that deals with the study of the transpersonal self, or the higher aspects of the human psyche. The term “transpersonal” comes from the Latin word trans, meaning “beyond,” and personalis, meaning “self.” Therefore, transpersonal psychology can be defined as the study of psychological phenomena that transcend the individual self. This type of psychology is often interested in studying mystical and spiritual experiences, as well as normative growth and development beyond the individual level.
Transpersonal psychologist Roberto Assagioli first coined the term in his book Psychosynthesis: A Manual of Principles and Techniques, published in 1965.
Takeaway
Psychology is one of the most fascinating and rapidly-growing fields in the world. It’s also one of the most diverse, with dozens of specialized branches that focus on different aspects of human behavior. This infographic provides a comprehensive overview of 95 popular psychology subfields. If you want to learn more about any of these areas, or find out how they can help you improve your life, we encourage you to explore them in more depth. With so much information available at our fingertips, there’s no excuse not to get started today!