Psychological Essays

A Career as a Psychologist Essay
Psychologists are very important people; they help millions of people with their everyday
struggles and problems that they have to deal with. Not only do psychologists help people with
problems that they cannot handle on their own, they also are scientists who study human minds
and behaviors. With being a psychologist, there are many different careers to choose from within
this profession (Explore Health Careers). The first type of psychologists to choose from is a
clinical psychologist. Clinical psychologists help people with counseling and psychotherapy. They
work with people who have all around life problems, such as new adjustments in life. Clinical
psychologists also help people who have emotional disorders or...show more content...
They also provide consolation to courts and attorneys in different types of legal proceedings (Psyris).
Next is an organization psychologist, which helps in the productivity of groups and individuals in a
workplace. These types of psychologists focus on improving the function of organizations, and to
keep individuals healthy within the organization (Psyris). Another type of psychology to choose from
is a counseling psychologist. These are important psychologists because they teach people how to
deal with their everyday problems. They help their patients determine their problems and help them
understand the problems they are facing. Not only do counseling psychologists help their patients
with the issues they are experiencing at home but also in their workplace or their community in
general. By helping their patients identify their strengths and resources, is how counseling
psychologists help them with their problems (Bureau of Labor Statistics). The next type of
psychology is the developmental psychologist. Developmental psychologists work with
psychological processes and development that takes place throughout life. They study aging and
problems the elderly may face, but this type of psychologist mainly focuses on children and
adolescents (Bureau of Labor Statistics). The last type of psychologist to choose from is the social
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Introduction to Psychology Essay examples
Introduction to Psychology The concern about life is a main human characteristic. No matter if his
concern is concentrated in himself or in persons or things that surround him and constitute his
environment, everybody wants to know why people, himself included, behave the way they
behave. Everybody, also, wants to improve his behavior, so as to live in harmony with himself and
the society. The Greek word Psychology, is a word consisted of the words
ψυχή–soul and λόγος–utterance, talk. So,
generally, psychology is the science that examines the soul. But , since the psychologists work on
the problems of the personal, family, school, professional and social life, we could say, more...show
more content...
The heartbeats, the movements of our head are behavior. The way we eat, the way we drink, the
way we walk, we talk, are behavior. The construction of a bridge, the composition of a song are
behavior. The fantasies of a child, the dreams of a adolescent, the illusions of an alcoholic are
behavior. Although we are all familiar with human behavior, a little do we understand or we can
explain about it. Since our infancy we learn about behavior through the experiences and the
knowledge that we get by observing other people or having relations with them. Living in society
leads us to watch and try to explain the way people behave. But that is not always easy. Sometimes
we cannot understand even ourselves. Psychology comes to give answers to all this uncertainty.
Therefore, according to modern psychology, the term behavior means all the conscious,
unconscious, verbal, mental and kinetic expressions of ourselves. Psychology uses statistic
researches so as to distinguish the normal behavior from the abnormal one. Such a thing is very
difficult because every society has its own behavior standards, and, consequently, an act that is
normal according to one society, may be abnormal according to another. For example, polygamy is
not permitted in Europe, but it is permitted in certain societies in Africa. So, the judgement of a
behavior must bear in mind the social environment in which it takes place .

Psychological Trauma Essay
The term "Psychological trauma" refers to damage wrought from a traumatic event, which that
damages one's ability to cope with stressors. "Trauma" is commonly defined as an exposure to a
situation in which a person is confronted with an event that involves actual or threatened death or
serious injury, or a threat to self or others' physical well–being (American Psychiatric Association,
2000). Specific types of client trauma frequently encountered by which therapists and other mental
health workers frequently encounter in a clinical setting include sexual abuse, physical , or sexual
assault, natural disasters such as earthquakes or tsunamis, domestic violence, and school or/and work
related violence (James & Gilliland, 2001). Traumatic...show more content...
Van der Kolk (1987) notes that human responses to trauma are relatively constant across various
types of traumatic stimuli, where individuals have poor tolerance to arousal stimuli and may
experience social and emotional withdrawal. These changes in the body's arousal and perception
prevent the continuance of "normal" life, and require help. Traumatic events also produce profound
and lasting changes in physiological arousal, emotion, cognition, and memory. Moreover, traumatic
events may result in the severance of these normally integrated functions from one another.
Traumatized individuals may also suffer from the memories of the tragic or horrifying experiences
they have undergone. Frequently, as a result of these many symptoms, it becomes inevitable for the
individual to develop certain complications associated with trauma–related disorders, such as
posttraumatic stress disorder. Herman (1992) categorizes the symptoms of post–traumatic stress
disorder into three major categories: hyperarousal, intrusion, and constriction. She describes
hyperarousal as the "persistent expectation of danger," intrusion as the "indelible imprint of the
traumatic moment," and constriction as the "numbing response of surrender" (Herman, 1992, p. 35).
There is, however, evidence that suggests that

Psychological Development Essay
Psychological development is the development of a person's emotional, intellectual, cognitive, and
social capabilities and functions that they acquire throughout their lifetime. This starts from birth
and carries on until death, but how does pregnancy affect the development stage? There are many
myths that when women become pregnant their cognitive capabilities begin to decrease and the
mother suffers from 'baby brain' or 'placenta brain'. Scientists are interested in this and some
wondered what role pregnancy plays in the increase or decrease of a woman's cognitive function. An
experiment by Christensen et al (2010) they tested cognition speed, immediate recall, working
memory, and delay memory in pregnant, non–pregnant women, and...show more content...
132). A complimentary study focused on emotional intelligence and its link to coping ability,
fatigue, depression, stress, anxiety, and mental health during pregnancy and motherhood
(Akerjordel K & Severinsson E., 2009). Emotional intelligence differs from cognitive intelligence
because it helps people cope with daily demands, adapt to the world, manage their emotions, and be
more effective, with healthy moods and social support systems (Akerjordel K & Severinsson E.,
2009). In this study 250 women over the age of 18 were subdued to surveys and questioners that
were shaped to determine the mental well being of pregnant women. When the results came in it
showed that pregnant women are more prone to feeling depressed, sad, lonely, fearful as well as
uncertain throughout their pregnancy, however because all women are different and come from
different socio–economic backgrounds no solid conclusions could be drawn (Akerjordel K &
Severinsson E., 2009). This study showed that the development of pregnancy must not only include
genes but environmental factors must be included as well. The last experiment that was reviewed
was by Onyper, S.V (2010), reviewed cognitive functioning, emotional intelligence, and executive
functioning throughout a woman's pregnancy. Executive functioning would include mental
processes that allow people to achieve goals and

Psychological Wellbeing
Studies have shown the effects of social relations on psychological wellbeing, where high quality
relationships between individuals decrease the negative effects of mental disorders like anxiety and
depression, and increase longevity. In reducing anxiety and depression, cardiovascular health is
increased and the chances of risky coping behaviors such as smoking, drinking, and suicide are
decreased. Typically, it is found that women form these higher quality relationships more frequently
than men. Higher female survivorship could also be the result of more proactive behaviors for
preventive treatment for mental and physical health issues, where early detection and treatment can
prevent illnesses from becoming fatal. In general, increased tobacco

Psychological Stress Essay
Psychological stress is a result of many factors and should be dealt with very carefully. Stress can
be defined as "An excess of demand made upon the adaptive capabilities of the mind and
body".(Joseph 1). Another way of putting it, is that there are some things that put certain demands
on us. The effects of stress should not be limited to unpleasant emotional states. Many studies have
concluded that the effects on our physical health from stress can be extremely detrimental. These
adverse physical effects include heart disease and formations of cancer. There are also some societal
issues that psychological stress can hamper.
There are numerous elements that trigger the effects of psychological stress. Frustration is one of
these...show more content...
Pressures that are brought about in our society are imposed by ourselves and by others. If one has
too high of expectations for oneself it is inevitable that they will burn themselves out. These
expectations are derived out of our gender roles as men. Men are thought of in our society to be
the provider of money and security to their families. It is one way we measure or "manlyhood".
Unrealistic pressures such as this, and pressures from school, work and social life will lead to high
levels of stress.
Conflict happens when two or more incompatible motivations or behavioral impulses compete for
expression. There are three classifications of conflict; approach/approach, avoidance/avoidance,
approach/avoidance. Approach/approach conflicts occur when we have two attractive options
from which we have to chose. This can happen when we have two group of friends going out for
New Year's Eve, both with exciting plans. It is tough to decide which group of friends you want to
hang out with. Avoidance/avoidance is the opposite of approach/approach. When you have to
decide between two unattractive choices or goals, stress sets in. This has occurred to me this past
month or so in deciding what I am going to take for my accounting elective. All of my options are
very unappealing. Decisions may arise where both objects that you are to chose from have both
attractive and unattractive components. This type of conflict can be categorized as approach
/avoidance conflict. An example

Essay about Definition of Psychology
Definition of Psychology
The term psychology comes from two Greek words: psyche, which means
1. The spirit or soul. 2. The human mind. 3. In psychoanalysis, the mind functioning as the center of
thought, emotion, and behavior.
And logos, "the study of." or according to modern researches "science"
These root words were first combined in the 16th century, at a time when the human soul, spirit, or
mind was seen as distinct from the body.
Definition of Psychology:
Psychology is one of the youngest sciences. It is still going through the process of its development.
There has been much fierce controversy about its definition. It has been variously defined as the
science of soul,...show more content...
Great psychologist like Sigmand Freud support this fact.
The science of Behavior:
J.B. Watson described Psychology as the science of Behavior.. He said that external action or
behavior is the only concern of Psychology. He totally ignored mental processes. He said that what
goes on in our mind eventually comes out as our behavior. But this is not true for all times so this
was considered incomplete.
Now a days the most comprehensive definition of Psychology is:
"Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behavior, and its application to solve human
problems"
OR
"Psychology is the schematic study of behavior and mental processes"
This definition contains three elements. The first is that psychology is a scientific enterprise that
obtains knowledge through systematic and objective methods of observation and experimentation.
Second is that psychologists study behavior, which refers to any action or reaction that can be
measured or observed–such as the blink of an eye, an increase in heart rate, or the unruly violence
that often erupts in a mob. Third is that psychologists study the mind, which refers to both conscious

and unconscious mental states. These states cannot actually be seen, only inferred from

Psychological Care
The most important part of physical care in a patient with terminal illness is to keep him as
comfortable as possible until death. Therefore relief of pain and symptomatic management of other
problems are extremely important. A general practitioner may have to manage whole lot of
symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, drowsiness, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, mouth
problems, dysphagia, hiccups, ascites, constipation and diarrhea, bed sores, cough and
breathlessness, bleeding, oedema and some psychological conditions such as anxiety and
depression as well. Diet is another aspect of physical care. The primary care doctor should advise the
care givers to give adequate food and liquid to the patient in a form that can be easily swallowed
...show more content...
Psychological distress is common among people needing palliative care and is an understandable
response to a traumatic and threatening experience. Patients draw on their own inner resources to
help them to cope and many derive emotional support from family and friends. Some patients,
however, are likely to benefit from additional professional intervention. To provide psychological
care to the dying patient, the doctor should know the patient's personality and the way that patient
views death. Primary care doctors are ideal for this because of their long term relationship with
patients and family members. In fact some families consider their family doctor as a family friend.
Therefore a family doctor is in a unique position to provide comprehensive care to the patient while
keeping a good doctor– patient relationship. The general practitioners should make sure that the
psychological status of the patients and carers are assessed at key points of the disease and given
appropriate psychological support. This can be done by being patient's bedside, communicating
effectively while showing concerns, touching the patient when appropriate, active listening to
patient's fears, frustrations, hopes and needs. Primary care doctors are able to reassure the patient
and make them comfortable. Patients should be given hope when it is possible, so that they may
live the remaining part of their life in good psychological health.
The social impact of cancer is considerable and can reach beyond the patient and immediate family.
Patients may need support with personal care, advice on employment issues and assistance in
securing financial benefits. General practitioner, being an active member of the community, will be
able to help the patient with these needs or direct to relevant services. All such support may be
provided informally or formally, in either a planned or reactive

Psychological Disorders Essay
There are times when people are plagued with thoughts, behaviors or emotions that will inhibit
them from normal behavior. These are known as psychological disorders. These disorders come in
many forms but all will have large effects on a person's life.
One of the types of psychological disorders is anxiety disorders. These disorders are broken down
into five categories: generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobia, obsessive–compulsive
disorder (OCD), and Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). All of these categories describe
disorders in which a person displays extreme fear or nervousness. People will become afraid of
objects, social situations, animals, reliving traumatic events, or many other things. People suffering
from...show more content...
It is one extreme to the other leaving the person very unstable. Depression can give people a sense of
hopelessness that can lead to them hurting themselves or others.
"A personality disorder is a long–standing, inflexible, maladaptive pattern of perceiving, thinking, or
behaving." (Gerrig, Zimbardo, 2008, 470). One type of personality disorder is borderline personality
disorder when a person is very instable and frequently lashes out in anger. The person will be very
impulsive and are prone to self–destructive behavior. Another is antisocial personality disorder in
which a person is frequently displaying unlawful behavior such as stealing or causing fights.
When a person has complaints about physical illnesses that cannot be explained medically and
these claims lead to interference in their lives it is known as a somatoform disorder.
Hypochondriacs fall into this category of disorders. People may also actually experience loss of
motor or sensory functions that cannot be explained any damage or problems with their bodies. A
dissociative disorder is involved more in the disturbance of identity or memory. People will
sometimes forget traumatic events in their lives or forget who they are. Other cases involve the
development of multiple personalities where a person assumes the identity of more than one person
which are unaware of the other identities. This type of dissociative disorder is often

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