Psychology and socialization research examine the workings of the human mind and human behavior; genetics, as a branch of biology, examines the way in which traits and predispositions are transmitted from parents to their children as a result of genetic recombination. The relationship between psychology, in contrast, and biology and genetics, has never been easy.
Discursive psychology examines how psychological issues are made relevant and put to use in everyday talk. Unlike traditional psychological perspectives, discursive psychology does not approach the question of what psychology comprises and explains from an analyst’s perspective. Instead the focus is on how psychological characteristics are made available, ascribed, and resisted by people themselves, as
Vocational psychology, a specialty within applied psychology, is the study of vocational behavior and its development across the life cycle. Emerging in the first decade of the twentieth century as America became heavily industrialized, vocational psychology originally concentrated on the fit between a worker’s abilities and interests and a job’s requirements and rewards. The outcome
This article examines the fields of rhetoric and psychology, each from the perspective of the other, and both from the meta-perspective of a psychologist-turned-rhetorician who retains equal measures of respect (and disrespect) for both. Rhetoric and psychology each study persuasion but from radically different approaches that reflect their contrasting origins in the humanistic and scientific
Psychology is generally concerned with studying the mind, the brain, and human behavior. While popular media often focus on clinical psychology (the study and treatment of mental illness), there are many other forms of psychology, ranging from neuropsychology to cultural psychology to sports psychology. This article largely focuses on experimental psychology, an overarching branch that
Flow is a special psychological state of total absorption in a task. When in flow, athletes are fully focused on what they are doing, and this heightened attention is associated with a number of positive factors. Accompanying a focused mindset are factors such as knowing exactly what one is going to do and how one
The science of psychology exists in a state of tension with the legal system in many ways (Ogloff & Finkelman, 1999). Fundamentally, the goals and processes of investigation in science differ substantially from those of investigation in the law. First, science is inductive. Researchers examine data from many field studies, correlational studies, and experiments and
Questions of potential interactions between psychology and the law existed long before the founding of the United States or the establishment of a separate United State legal system. For example, Francis Bacon (1857) expressed concerns that inappropriate psychological motives held by some actors in the legal system could compromise the system. He suggested that the
Positive Psychology History The roots of inquiry into what is good about human nature and optimal human functioning can be traced back to Aristotle. Indeed, the initial impetus of modern psychology was to gain an understanding of transcendent experience. This objective was echoed in humanistic psychology’s interest in the self-actualizing potential of human beings. However
Sport psychology professionals maintain an ethical obligation to ensure services are helping clients (and conversely, not harming them), and thus allowing clients the opportunity to provide feedback is a key element of effective service provision. Components of Evaluation There are a variety of subjective (or self-report) and objective measures available that consultants can select to
This article delves into the realm of cardiac psychology, focusing on the imperative task of managing fear and anxiety in individuals grappling with cardiovascular diseases. Beginning with an exploration of the intricate relationship between psychological factors and cardiac health, the article elucidates the nuanced understanding of fear and anxiety in the context of cardiovascular conditions.
This article explores the intricate interplay between psychology and chronic disease flare-ups within the realm of health psychology. The introduction delves into the definition and significance of chronic disease flare-ups, emphasizing their relevance in understanding the psychological dimensions of health. The first section examines the multifaceted factors influencing flare-ups, including genetic predisposition, neurobiological mechanisms, stress
This article explores the pivotal role of health psychology in the realm of family planning within the broader context of public health. Beginning with an introduction to the significance of family planning, the narrative unfolds by delving into the psychological factors that influence individuals’ decisions regarding family planning, including cultural, religious, and societal influences, as
Multiculturalism has been called the “fourth force” of psychology by Paul B. Pedersen, Pius K. Essandoh, and others (following psychoanalysis, behaviorism, and humanism as schools of thought). Multicultural psychology is a major influence in contemporary psychology and includes such broad topic areas as racial identity development, acculturation, prejudice and stereotyping, and multicultural competence. Research focused
The idea that genetics may play a determining role in work behavior and work-related phenomena does not have a particularly long past in terms of actual research activity among industrial-organizational psychologists. Whereas research in other domains of psychology convincingly have shown that human behavior is influenced by genetic and biological characteristics of individuals, it was
This article delves into the crucial role of health psychology in asthma interventions, examining the complex interplay between psychosocial factors and asthma outcomes. Beginning with an exploration of the prevalence and impact of asthma, the introduction sets the stage for an in-depth investigation into the multifaceted relationships between stress, anxiety, and asthma symptoms. The first
Black psychology is an emerging discipline broadly defined as an evolving system of knowledge concerning elements of human nature, specifically study of the experience and behavior of people of African descent (Black populations). Historically, Black psychology stems from African philosophy, yet early perspectives in the United States focused on reacting to Western psychology’s characterization of
An increasing number of women are joining the field of psychology. According to the National Science Foundation, the percentage of women receiving psychology doctoral degrees increased from approximately 15% in 1950 to 55% in 1988. In 2002, an American Psychological Association (APA) task force found nearly two thirds of all new recipients of master’s degrees
Rehabilitation Psychology, a pivotal subfield within health psychology, addresses the intricate interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in the process of restoring individuals to optimal functioning. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of Rehabilitation Psychology, beginning with its definition and historical roots, emphasizing its integral role in the broader context of health psychology. Theoretical
This article explores the intersection of gerontology and psychology within the field of health psychology. Beginning with an elucidation of gerontology and its pivotal role in understanding the aging process, the article delves into the intricate biological and psychological changes that accompany aging, including cellular and neurological alterations, cognitive shifts, and emotional adjustments. Further, it
This article explores the intricate facets of alcohol dependence within the framework of health psychology. The introduction delineates the definition of alcohol dependence, its historical context, and the pervasive societal impact of this phenomenon. Etiological factors, encompassing genetic predispositions, neurobiological underpinnings, and psychosocial influences, are dissected in the second section. The article navigates through the
Police psychology, the practice of psychology in police settings, has been part of American policing since the late 1960s and has traditionally been a clinical endeavor by clinical psychologists. Although many large police agencies and some medium-sized ones employ full-time clinical psychologists, most agencies contract for part-time work with clinical psychologists who often maintain separate
This article is about the history of work and organizational (W/O) psychology, as it is called in Europe; it is also known as industrial-organizational psychology ( (I-OPsychology) in the United States. To correctly interpret this historical account of W/O psychology in Europe, it should be taken into account that our discipline had and has different
The confluence of dynamic external (socioeconomic, business, military, legal, technology) and internal forces (individuals, theories, research, applications) transformed the science and practice of industrial-organizational psychology from the foresights of a few individuals into a legitimate scientific and applied discipline. Throughout the evolution, an underlying theme persisted: The study and use of psychology for improving the
This entry presents the history of industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology in four countries: Israel, India, Singapore, and Australia. It points out some similarities in the evolution of the profession across diverse cultures. Industrial-Organizational Psychology in Israel Early 20th Century The presence of psychology in Israel is traced back to 1930, when a group of German-Jewish psychoanalysts
There are many opportunities for positive interaction between the fields of psychology and the law; however, this marriage of two disciplines does not come without some inherent conflict. Judges and attorneys are trained to look at human behavior in a way that is quite different from the perspective of psychologists. It is this difference that
There is no consensual definition of forensic psychology. Perhaps it is surprising, given the relatively long history and growth of forensic psychology over the past 40 years, that there is no uniform or consensual definition for this specialty area, and most differences involve how narrowly or broadly the field is defined. Definitions range from expansive
Phrenology, an outmoded scientific discipline, predicted individual traits and characteristics in humans by analyzing the shape of the skull. Franz Joseph Gall, a Viennese physician practicing in the late 18th century, held that the brain shaped the skull, and the resulting bumps and ridges could be used to predict human behaviors, aptitudes, and tendencies. Gall
Terrorism is certainly the scourge of our times. Considerable economic, military, political, and scientific resources are devoted these days to the “war on terrorism.” Psychological research is not only relevant but also essential to understanding this issue. Indeed, the psychology of terrorism has become one of psychology’s major growth markets. Books and journals on the
The impact of exercise and sport on our society is pervasive. They are relevant topics for study both because of their societal importance and because they exert a significant influence on physical and psychosocial development across the life span. This entry provides a brief history of exercise and sport psychology, examines the relationship between counseling
Self-handicapping is a future-oriented, self-protection strategy used to (a) maintain personal perceptions of competence, control, self-worth, and self-esteem and/or (b) protect or enhance one’s public image in the eyes of coactors or observers. It consists of thoughts, statements, and behaviors that take place in advance of performance, and that increase the likelihood of situational factors
The dialogues of Plato allegedly do no more than report the teaching of Socrates, but much of what is found in these works is surely Plato’s own invention. Their composition spans a period of years such that one must distinguish between the early, the middle, and the late works, with sometimes dramatic departures found across
Of the many creative undertakings of classical Greece, surely Greek medicine must rank as high as any, and the Hippocratic School takes the laurel. That biological cast of thought reflected in Aristotle’s works certainly benefited from the background influences of the Hippocratic School and from Greek science in general. Hippocrates is not easily dated, nor
Aristotle studied in Plato’s Academy for 20 years, from its founding (c. 347 BCE) until Plato’s death (c. 347 BCE). His father was personal physician to the Macedonian king Amyntas II, father of Philip II and grandfather of Alexander the Great, whose teacher Aristotle became. Though a devoted admirer and friend of his great teacher
Understanding the place of mind and body in nature gave rise to several schools of thought. Examining Mind Several intertwined questions arose from the new scientific, Cartesian, view of mind and its place in nature. Some are philosophical. If I am locked up in the subjective world of consciousness, how can I know anything about
The two decades between 1890 and 1910 constituted a crucial time for the professional foundation of psychology. Americans were coming to recognize the value of science, notably its apparent utility in enhancing commercial productivity and health. Science, including psychology, ultimately was portrayed as a practical pursuit, and American psychologists adopted this utilitarian attitude. The reformism
Woolley, Hollingworth, and Ladd-Franklin lived and worked during a period when women were making important strides in American society. The suffrage movement had secured women the right to vote in the United States by 1919. Thus, their work in psychology was buttressed by what is now called “first-wave feminism.” The middle of the 20th century
There was no formal discipline called psychology in the Middle Ages, but a number of medieval writers, particularly those from the thirteenth century, discussed concerns similar to those of present-day psychologists. More important, at least a few, for example, Avicenna and Albertus Magnus (1193-1280), seem to have been genuinely interested in psychological theory It is
The rise of humanistic psychology was led by Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow (1908-1970), and others, also in line with Kantian precepts. This was called a “Third Force” in academic circles, adding to the first force of behaviorism and the second of psychoanalysis. Psychoanalysis has been continually and roundly criticized for its lack of grounding in
This article explores the intricate interplay between psychology and reproductive health within the framework of health psychology. The introduction outlines the significance of reproductive health in overall well-being, establishing a foundation for exploring the psychological dimensions of this domain. The first section examines influential psychological factors, such as emotional well-being, cognitive elements, and social influences
This article delves into the realm of the psychology of food choices and preferences within the framework of health psychology. The introduction sets the stage by emphasizing the critical importance of understanding the psychological factors influencing individuals’ decisions related to food. The first section explores cognitive, emotional, and social factors shaping food choices, investigating the
This article explores the intricate interplay between psychological factors, dietary habits, and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders within the realm of health psychology. The introduction provides a foundational understanding of health psychology, emphasizing the crucial connection between psychological well-being and physical health. Delving into the core theme, the first section investigates the influence of stress and emotional
This article explores the intricate realm of Child Psychology within Stressful Medical Settings, shedding light on the profound impact that healthcare environments can have on children’s psychological well-being. Explicating the manifestations of fear, anxiety, and trauma experienced by children in medical settings, the first section elucidates the psychological effects that may linger long into their
This article on psychology of symptom perception and reporting is a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted processes underlying individuals’ awareness and communication of health-related symptoms. The article explores the intricate interplay of sensory, cognitive, and emotional factors that shape how individuals perceive and interpret their symptoms. Highlighting the significance of attention, expectation, and cognitive appraisal
This article explores the role of pediatric psychology in the management of chronic pain among pediatric patients. The introduction delves into the essence of pediatric psychology and underscores the prevalence and impact of chronic pain in the pediatric population, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to its management. The first section examines the significance
The field of health psychology encompasses a diverse range of factors that influence sports and athletic performance, with psychological, cognitive, and psychophysiological aspects playing pivotal roles. This article explores the intricate interplay of these factors, beginning with an introduction to health psychology and its relevance to sports performance. The first section delves into the psychological