The connotation of psychology has evolved historically. However, within some cultures the word psychology and its subsidiary mental health, carry the dark undercurrent of the historical practices of trephining and exorcism. Such perception attributes to the stigma of mental health and its perceived embodiment of an unhinged individual. This particular mindset propels me to research the contributing elements involved in this dilemma. There is no greater feeling than the enlightenment one reaches at the end of a research study. Whether the hypothesis was supported or rejected the results, still reflect an attempt. The attempt drives psychologists and when the attempt reveals its results, we add or subtract a new piece to the never-ending puzzle of psychology. The results of psychological studies have strong communal influences and lead to the creation of new theories. I desire to partake in the hidden jewel of academia, the unremitting realm of psychological research.
Early on, I knew I had to seek opportunities that would help strengthen my entrance into the field of Clinical Psychology. While obtaining my undergraduate degree I gained exposure to different areas of psychological research, some of which heightened my interests and motivated me to seek higher education. While attending Hampton University I worked on research with Dr. Spencer Baker and Dr. Zina McGee. Dr. McGee supervised my research involving incarcerated women and their relationships with their children, as well as effective programs provided to them as resources upon release. Under the supervision of Dr. Baker, I studied African American academic achievement, depression and stressors that affect academic conscientiousness in freshmen. Additional resear...
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...nality. Concomitantly, I am seeking the academic guidance of the professors focusing on some aspect of one or more of these elements. The following professors are conducting research that matches my pivotal areas of interest, Dr. Anne Bogat and Dr. Christopher Hopwood. Additional professors that I have found share similar interests and research resembles studies from my past, are Dr. Frederick Leong, Dr. Jason Moser and Dr. Nicole Buchanan.
The conjunction of my research, teaching and real life experiences has propelled me to seek a PhD program in Psychology. Such a degree, will supply me with the proper tools to accomplish my goal of helping individuals rise above the barriers that subdue them. A PhD in Clinical Psychology from Michigan State University will allow me to obtain a career where I can submerge into research while teaching at the college level.
The overall history of psychology is a short one in comparison to the other fields of medicine and this is because things considered to fit into psychology today were put in other categories throughout history. They were passed off as other ailments or labeled as nerves or stress (Tracy, 2013). Anxiety disorders were seen as a woman’s problem and unimportant. This is a misconception though, because both men and women suffer from anxiety disorders (Tracy, 2013). As time progressed many things were tried and most failed due to the little to no understanding of the cause. Many early treatments involved bloodletting, hydropathy, herbs and balms, bathing in very cold rivers or streams, and health spas (Tracy, 2013). The a...
This field is founded on the belief that people want to lead meaningful lives, to find what is best within themselves and to enhance their life experiences. As a result this following paper gives examples of educational requirements, salary, travel, and retirement funds and plans. Psychologist are necessary because people deserve to be heard, therefore, one should consider looking at the education salary, travel opportunities and etc. to join this career.
Currently I am studying for my psychology degree and planning on finishing with my bachelors’ degree in 2014, I have faced few challenges with my plans so far because I feel as though I have prepared myself well for the future. I am a in the psychology club and I participate in psychology experiments at school. I want to utilize all that I can while I am in school to become the best at what I do. Where I work I call alumni of my college and ask them for donations, before I ask them I have to gain their trust and that is also the basis for any counselor patient relationship.
The birth of psychology was in December of 1879, at Germanys University of Leipzig (Myers, 2014, p.2). In 1960, Wilhelm Wundt and Edward Titchener defines psychology as “the science of mental health” (Myers, 2014, p.4). However, two provocative American psychologists, John Watson and B.F Skinner, redefined psychology in 1920. They redefined psychology as “the scientific study of observable behavior” (Myers, 2014, p.4). The problem arose when psychologists realized people could not observe feeling or thought so they needed to come up with a new definition for psychology. We define psychology today as “the science of behavior and mental processes” (Myers, 2014, p.4). Psychology includes many subfields such as human development, social behavior,
Psychology comprises of two words originally used by the ‘Greeks’, ‘psyche’, defining the mind, soul or spirit and lastly ‘logos’ being study. Both words define together the ‘study of the mind’. Psychology perspectives evaluate the normal and abnormal behaviour and how persons’ deal with different concepts of issues and problems. Psychology theories’ are based on ‘common sense’, but its scientific structure, everything needs to be evaluated and tested, therefore, promoting different psychological theories’.
My interest in pursuing a doctorate degree in counseling psychology has been influenced by a combination of life experiences and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Though the path which has led me to this destination is complex, the journey has provided me with the clarity and insight necessary to understand human behavior from a holistic perspective. As I approach the completion of my masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I am faced with the unsettling realization that I have more questions than I do answers. This has fueled my innate desire and motivation to continue challenging myself by attaining a doctorate degree from the University of North Texas.
Kuther, T. L., & Morgan, R. D. (2013). Careers in Psychology: Opportunities in a Changing World (4th ed.). Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection
When I began my studies at the University of Northern Iowa, I had an interest in the field of psychology, but I was not yet sure that I wanted to pursue a career in that area. The classes that I consequently took and the professors that taught them solidified my desire to receive a degree in psychology.
My love for neuroscience began long before my passion for neuroscience research. My favorite aspect of psychology since my initial encounter in Advanced Placement Psychology in high school is the nervous system and brain function in relation to behavior. It is fascinating how something so small serves such an extremely important and vital role in our body and behavior. The intriguing details of the brain fuel my desire to learn more about its functions. After completing the Biological Basis of Behavior and Neural System Courses at the University of Maryland, my knowledge as well as curiosity for the brain heightened.
My vision as a practitioner scholar in the field of psychology lies in clinical counseling. As a clinical counselor
The study of psychology began as a theoretical subject a branch of ancient philosophy, and later as a part of biological sciences and physiology. However, over the years, it has grown into a rigorous science and a separate discipline, with its own sets of guidance and experimental techniques. This paper aims to study the various stages that the science of psychology passed through to reach its contemporary status, and their effects on its development. It begins with an overview of the historical and philosophical basis of psychology, discusses the development of the various schools of thought, and highlights their effects on contemporary personal and professional decision-making.
My first semester in college, I took a Psychology 101 course and immediately knew I wanted to work in this field. I was drawn into different theories and how individual’s minds work. I always believed I was born to help others and guide them to success in life. I desire to help others because of my own personal struggles with mental illness. My unique perspective on mental illness allows me to empathize on a different level with individuals. I desire to give back and support to the community the way it was there for me during my dark times. I was lucky to have known from the start that psychology was my interest. I am excited to continue my education in the counseling field and become a future Clinical Mental Health Counselor.
The British Psychological Society states that ‘Psychology is the scientific study of people, the mind and behaviour’ (BPS). In this essay I will be discussing what is actually meant by this and whether psychology fits into both the traditional views of a science, as well as more contemporary perspectives. It is widely suggested that Psychology is a “coalition of specialities” meaning it is multi-disciplinary (Hewstone, Fincham and Foster 2005, page 4). I will therefore examine whether it could be considered wrong to think that all parts of the discipline should neatly fit into one view of a scientific approach.
As I gradually make my way through this semester, I have come to realize that I am called to go into Psychology. I love watching people and trying to figure out why they act the way that they do. I, also, love knowing that I have finally figured out what careers I want to pursue. I want to become either a clinical or counseling psychologist, which both have the same requirements for everything – majors , classes, ect. So, I do not have to decide right off the bat on which career I want to pursue. Since I am planning on majoring in Psychology, I decide to do some research on my own, as well as go to a major’s fair hosted at the IU Southeast campus.
The complexities of the human mind, how it works, why it works, and why it deviates sometimes, were the factors that drew me towards the field of psychology. I was born in India and as I was growing up I realized that psychological problems were not discussed in public. The mystery and intrigue surrounding the disorders further instilled in me the need to understand them in detail. As I continue my academic journey I wish to delve into the depths of Clinical Psychology in order to understand psychopathology better and use my knowledge and skills to create customized intervention plans and to facilitate a harmonious living environment.