Psychology, often defined as “the scientific study of mental processes, experiences and behaviour in different contexts”, encompasses a broad range of understanding of the human mind and behaviour. By employing scientific methods such as experimentation, testing, observation, and analysis, psychologists aim to study the underlying cognitive (mental) processes, experiences, emotions and motivations that provide insights into why human beings behave the way they do, not just individually, but also as social beings. The field of Psychology is applied, to a great extent, meaning, it has a wide range of practical applications in the form of therapy, interventions, assessments, policy making and so on.
Read More: Do You Know About the Basic Principles of Psychology?
Benefits of Studying Psychology
Psychology not only sounds fascinating, but it indeed is! Many times, people show immense interest in this subject. However, most of them end up falling for the misconceptions that Psychology is surrounded with, and they rarely delve into its scientific understanding. Thus, to help the quest, here are some of the benefits of studying Psychology, that might help in taking up this subject further—
1. Appreciating Individual Differences
Studying Psychology helps us understand how people differ from one another. Human behaviour is largely complex, and these individual differences are what make everyone unique in their own way. Understanding these differences will make us accept, appreciate and respect the diversity among people, and we can think and behave accordingly. A teacher who realises that each student is unique will use pedagogical approaches that are appropriate for the student’s learning styles and abilities. Similar is the case of an HR professional who implements different work strategies that align with employees’ strengths and weaknesses.
“Understanding individual differences in psychology is like discovering the unique flavours in a recipe. Each person brings their own blend of traits and experiences, shaping who they are. As a counselling psychologist, this understanding has been invaluable. It allows me to tailor my approach to each individual, recognizing their strengths and challenges. Embracing these differences not only fosters personal growth but also builds empathy and understanding among people. Just as each ingredient adds depth to a dish, acknowledging individual differences enriches our understanding of ourselves and others, creating a more harmonious and compassionate world.” – Vinamra Vasudeva, Counselling psychologist
2. Building Interpersonal Skills
Psychology is a part of everyday life, whether we understand it or not. Human beings cannot survive in isolation. We do need people. We do need company. And to function as social beings, we also need a set of interpersonal skills. These include skills like effective communication, leadership, teamwork, conflict management, negotiation, etc. Reading Psychology will make this learning easier, allowing for smoother development of such skills. This way, individuals can grow in both personal as well as professional areas of life.
3. Promotes Growth and Self Awareness
One of the core tenets of Existential Psychology is that all human beings have the capacity for self-awareness. By studying human behaviour, we can not only try to understand the people around us but also our own ‘self’. Many students who opt for Psychology, often give this as one of the reasons— the desire to better understand themselves. There are a lot of subtle behaviours that we don’t pay attention to. For instance, some people find hugs and kisses a little uncomfortable. One of the explanations for this is rooted in how our attachment patterns were formed during infancy. It is through this deeper understanding that we strive towards becoming a better version of ourselves.
According to Professor and Head, Dr Rita Rani Talukdar, “The field of psychology has been steadily evolving, focusing on developing personalities, life skills, and coping mechanisms. For instance, students learn to maintain a positive outlook, manage interpersonal relationships effectively, and enhance resilience and empathy. By studying psychology, individuals can resolve personal issues before they escalate, whether they’re familial or among friends. Additionally, they gain insights into the developmental challenges present in different life stages, equipping them with the tools to navigate these hurdles.”
He further says, “Psychology addresses broader societal issues, such as increasing aggression and crime rates. By understanding how thought patterns influence behaviour, individuals can learn to manage their impulses and contribute positively to society. Overall, psychology offers invaluable knowledge for personal growth and understanding the complexities of human behaviour and society.”
Read More: Self-Awareness is the key to Self-Mastery
4. Scientific Understanding Rather than Commonsensical Notion
Studying psychology offers a shift from commonsensical notions to adopting scientific understanding. Common sense mostly develops as hindsight, on the other hand, psychology gives a scientific lens that transcends commonsensical understanding. For example, the sayings “out of sight, out of mind” and “distance makes the heart grow fonder” make opposing predictions about the impact of distance on relationships. But Psychology will look into the subjectivity of these experiences and still be able to make generalisable predictions of human behaviour. This is the beauty of Psychology— integrating science with subjectivity.
5. Job Prospects: Wide Range of Career Opportunities
A psychologist is not the only profession in this field. It provides a wide range of career opportunities. The job prospects offered by Psychology as a discipline are largely interdisciplinary. Psychology graduates can enter in fields like human resources, marketing, education, healthcare, social services, and other sectors. Whether working directly with individuals to improve mental health (such as through psychotherapy) or influencing organisational policy to increase workplace efficiency, the options for studying psychology are limitless and ever-evolving.
6. Better Understanding of Mental Health
Mental Health is one of the growing topics of concern in modern times. Although everything is easily available online, being a Psychology student does give an advantage. Academic knowledge can provide a critical lens and help distinguish between false and credible sources while accessing the abundant mental health-related information on the internet. Moreover, as future mental health professionals, psychology students are better positioned to promote mental well-being, decrease stigma, and advocate for effective mental health policies and services in their communities.
Read More: 10 Job Roles in the Field of Psychology
Where to Start From?
If we notice carefully, Psychology is everywhere in and around us. All we need is a little quest, an open mind and flexible approach to learning, an observant lens, and a heart that can empathise. This is a growing field, but there is still a huge dearth of mental health professionals, and choosing to study Psychology will contribute not only to the welfare of people, but will also help build up the equally important knowledge base. After all, knowledge and practical application go hand in hand!
To study Psychology, you don’t necessarily need to begin with the class 11th NCERT Textbook. Everything these days is quite accessible on the internet. There are several courses related to Psychology that can be accessed online. A zeal to learn more is what you need to find ways that will take you to your destination. And learning is always a journey that continues till the very end.
In conclusion, the study of psychology provides not only an intriguing understanding of human behaviour and experience but also a scientific perspective that extends beyond common sense concepts. It promotes personal development, provides individuals with essential skills, and opens doors to a variety of employment prospects. The advantages of studying psychology go well beyond academics, shaping kind and empathetic individuals who are eager to make a difference in the world!
