The field of psychology is a scientific discipline of human motivation,
emotion, cognition, and behavior. Plante (2011), “it can be subdivided into
many different specializations, some of which are concerned primarily with
psychological science (experimental psychology) and others of which are
concerned with both psychological science and the application of that science
to real-world problems outside of the research setting” (p. 5). The evolution
of psychology began from philosophical roots and evolved into a discipline of
science separate from philosophy in 1879, with the creation of the first
psychological laboratory by Germany psychologist, Wilhelm Wundt. Today, the
American Psychological Association (APA) lists 54 unique divisions of
psychology, which provides a clear indication of psychology’s diversity
(Hergenhahn & Henley, 2013). Psychology’s diversity is also evident by
evaluating the influence on its major concepts. Within the field of psychology are
several sub-disciplines and subtopics of such sub-disciplines that are of
interest. Such sub-disciplines and subtopics can apply to particular areas
outside of psychology. These sub-disciplines and subtopics also compare to a personal
theoretical perspective. Also, education in psychology will provide contributions
to society in the future.
The Influence of Diversity on Psychology's Major
Concepts
As
mentioned before, the APA lists 54 divisions of psychology, which represent
focuses on specific areas and numerous sub-disciplines of psychology
(Hergenhahn & Henley, 2013). Such sub-disciplines of the field of
psychology display vast diversity by covering diverse areas of inquiry; such as
with how abnormal psychology, which investigates abnormal behavior and how biological
psychology investigates how evolution and genetics contribute to influencing behavior.
However, the diversity of psychology expands beyond individual sub-discipline’s
area of inquiry, and extends to and influences psychology’s major concepts. The
major concepts of psychology emphasize varying aspects of human behavior influenced
by the sub-disciplines of psychology, which reflects the diverse nature of sub-disciplines
of psychology.
Sub-disciplines within Psychology, and Subtopics
of those Sub-disciplines
Indeed,
psychology is a diverse field with sub-disciplines such as abnormal psychology
and biological psychology but because of such diversity numerous other
sub-disciplines exist such as clinical psychology and industrial and
organization psychology (I/O). Clinical psychology and industrial and
organization psychology (I/O) are two particularly interesting sub-disciplines
of psychology.
Clinical
Psychology
In its use of psychological principles, clinical psychology makes
an attempt at alleviating, predicting, and understanding aspects of human
functioning; such aspects include behavioral, social, psychological, biological,
emotional, and intellectual aspects. Clinical psychologists perform assessments
and treatments for behavioral, emotional, and mental disorders and problems. Certain
clinical psychologists focus on treating specific disorders and problems, such
as clinical depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD);
while, other clinical psychologists focus on particular populations, such as adolescents
and young adults. One subtopic of clinical psychology is assessment. Clinical
psychologists use assessments to clarify client’s diagnosis, and for help when
planning services or treatments.
Industrial
and Organizational Psychology (I/O)
Plante (2011), “I/O psychology is an eclectic field that has
borrowed concepts, ideas, techniques, and theories from many other disciplines”
(p. 4). I/O psychologists work within organizations by applying research
methods and psychological principles to the workplace with the intention of improving
the quality of work life and productivity (Landrum & Davis, 2010). One
subtopic of I/O psychology is employee testing. I/O psychologists use employee
testing to help organizations determine if a potential employee has the appropriate
behavior and workplace skills to foster organizational objectives and goals.
Practical Application of Sub-disciplines
The diverse nature of psychology
is evident by means of the implications of psychological discovery providing a variety
of applications in various venues in contemporary society. For instance, the
application of I/O psychology is a means of studying the effects of workplace
stressors on individuals in regard to how such effects hinder individuals’
abilities to perform to and meet standards set forth by the organization. Also,
such an application of I/O psychology promotes and fosters the well-being of
employees by means of assessing employees and reporting such findings to officials
of the organization; thereby, enabling such officials of an organization to
implement workplace changes to promote and foster the well-being of employees and
a healthy work environment. Thereby, allowing officials of an organization to improve
employee socialization, performance, retention, and morale. Which is just one
instance of the practical applications of one sub-discipline of psychology, but
because of the diverse nature of psychology, there are numerous applications of
various sub-disciplines.
Comparing Subdisciplines and Subtopics to Personal
Theoretical Perspective
My
personal beliefs about psychological theory are similar, if not the same as
theories of cognitive psychology or as in cognitive perspectives. To understand
the behavior of individuals, and why behavior occurs, one must understand the
mental processes of individuals or what occurs in an individual’s mind.
Therefore, by applying measures of clinical psychology as a clinical
psychologist, in my future such as analyzing and treating psychological and
behavioral disorders and problems I can try to enhance the well-being and
health of clients. Therefore, through means of using integrative evidence-based
approaches of contemporary clinical psychology I can affect the well-being of
clients by means of understanding, addressing, treating, and possibly
preventing human psychological disabilities.
Contribution to Society
My contributions to society, as
a result, of my education in psychology occur today, by means of how I approach
and treat other individuals because I have an understanding of why behavior
occurs and what affects an individual’s behavior. My future contributions to
society will occur as a clinical psychologist by way of assessing, treating,
and using psychotherapy to help clients who suffer from psychological and
behavioral disorders and problems. Thereby, affecting or improving the
well-being and health of clients and significantly affecting well-being of
society.
Conclusion
Psychology is a diverse field of science, and such diversity has a
significant influence on the major concepts of psychology. Psychology also has
numerous sub-disciplines and thereby, subtopics of such sub-disciplines that
can apply to various venues in contemporary society, and the sub-discipline of cognitive
psychology is similar to my personal theoretical perspective by means helping
me understand why behavior occurs. Also, this sub-discipline and its subtopics allow
me to apply the measures of another sub-discipline that is clinical psychology
to contribute to society in the future.
Landrum, E. &
Davis, S. F. (2010). The Psychology
Major: Career Options and Strategies For Success (4 ed.). Pearson Education.
Plante, T.G. (2011). Contemporary
Clinical Psychology (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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