Psychology is a branch of science that deals with human behaviour. As a psychologist, you can understand how a person behaves, reacts, and functions in every situation. If you find this interesting, the next question is how to learn psychology.
People face countless challenges every day, and psychology helps us understand their struggles and support them better. As per the 2024 report of the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 7,20,000 people commit suicide every year and many more attempt it. The COVID pandemic has had a terrible impact on the mental health of all age groups. Psychologists have a key role to play in resolving this problem. Therefore, if you are wondering how to learn psychology, this blog will guide you. Let’s begin!
How to Learn Psychology: Your Guide to the Human Mind
Have you ever wondered why people respond so differently to the same situation? Do you feel like helping people when they are stressed or anxious? If you answer yes, then learning psychology can be an excellent option.
Your path to learning psychology begins right after Class 10. Psychology is also covered in the Biology NCERT textbooks of classes 11th and 12th. In Class 11 psychology, students start with the basics of the subject, including its scope and research methods like observation and experimentation.
They study the biological and environmental factors that influence behaviour, stages of human development, and how to sense, focus, and interpret information. Learning theories, types of memory, cognitive processes like thinking, and the basics of motivation and emotion are also covered.
In Class 12, topics expand to individual differences in intelligence and personality as well as understanding the self, and managing stress. Students learn about psychological disorders and therapies, how attitudes are formed, and how people behave in groups. The application of Psychology in fields like health and education is also discussed, along with essential communication and interpersonal skills.
Apart from the theoretical study, students also perform experiments and participate in case studies. After studying psychology in high school, you can pursue a degree. And for this, the first step is to score good grades in Class 12!
Next, look for the best university for psychology courses after 12th. You can join psychology courses like BA Psychology, BSc Psychology, and BSc Clinical Psychology. Further, if you plan to do your Master’s in Psychology, an MA Psychology is a good choice. Additionally, if you are keen on research and want to specialise, you can go for a PhD in Psychology.
Scope of Psychology
Now that you know how to learn psychology, it is important to understand how to make a successful career out of it and its future scope. We live in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI). So, if you are planning a career in Psychology, you must know all about the challenges and opportunities.
Even if AI bots like Elomia Health and Woebot are there to help people deal with mental stress, human psychologists are irreplaceable. The best thing that human psychologists can do is to be emotionally available for their patients. They also exhibit social skills like collaboration, compassion, and empathy, which help them build strong bonds with their clients and understand them better. Additionally, human psychologists are creative in decision-making, and sitting with a physical counsellor makes a stressed person feel more comfortable than an AI.
Though AI as counsellors might not work, integrating AI in psychology tests and examinations has been very helpful for psychologists. For example, now, health clinics use AI chatbots to store clients’ information and make quick reports based on the counsellor’s analysis. Clinicians can monitor their patient’s progress and understand their behaviour patterns. AI can also analyse conversations between psychologists and patients and prepare a thorough report highlighting the issues to be addressed. These are some of the multiple uses of AI in psychology.
Once combined with emerging technologies, the scope of psychology expands manifold. This is why the job market for aspiring psychologists is flourishing. Let’s look at some career hats you can wear.
Careers in Clinical Psychology
Psychology offers various career options that cater to different interests and skill sets. Here are some popular psychology careers… decoded:
- Clinical Psychologists work with people who have issues with mental health. They diagnose and treat problems like depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia. They usually work in hospitals, mental health clinics, private practices, or rehabilitation centres.
- Counselling Psychologists help people deal with stress, relationship problems, and career planning. They focus more on healthy individuals coping with life challenges. They work in schools, universities, hospitals, or private practices.
- School Psychologists help students overcome learning and behavioural issues. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to create a supportive learning environment. They work primarily in schools, colleges, and educational institutions.
- Industrial-Organisational Psychologists, also called I-O psychologists, focus on improving productivity, employee satisfaction, and organisational efficiency. They often help with recruitment, training, and workplace behaviour while working in corporate offices, HR departments, consulting firms, or government agencies.
- Forensic Psychologist, apply psychology to the legal and criminal justice system. They may work on cases, help in jury selection, or assess criminal behaviour while working in courts, law enforcement agencies, or correctional facilities.
- Health Psychologists focus on how psychological factors affect health and well-being. They help individuals adopt healthier behaviours and manage chronic illnesses. They work in hospitals, public health organisations, or private practices.
- Research Psychologists study various aspects of human behaviour, like cognition, emotion, or social interactions. They conduct experiments, analyse data, and publish while working in universities, research centres, or government institutions.
- Neuropsychologists specialise in understanding how brain function affects behaviour and cognition. They often work with patients who have brain injuries or neurological disorders. They are employed in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and research laboratories.
- Sports Psychologists help athletes improve their performance and manage the mental aspects of sports, like stress and motivation. They work with sports teams, athletic organisations, or private practices.
- Child Psychologists focus on diagnosing and treating mental health issues in children and adolescents. They help with learning disabilities, emotional problems, and behavioural challenges. They work in schools, pediatric hospitals, or private practices.
Conclusion
A career in Psychology can be very fulfilling, as it allows you to impact people’s lives positively. If you are wondering how to learn psychology, the strengths here are, strong interpersonal skills, patience, and a genuine interest in human behaviour. For a successful career in Psychology, you must select the best university in India for your education. Shoolini University in Himachal Pradesh, is a top private university in India that offers education in Psychology.
Even though the admissions are over, to save time and not waste a year, enroll now for the February session in 2024.
