Psychology is a discipline that studies all aspects of human
behavior, from childhood to old age, as well as the behavior of crowds. Its
scope includes both normal and abnormal behavior, and it seeks to understand the
factors that influence human emotions, instincts, intelligence, personality, and
inherited characteristics. Psychology is considered an exact science because it
studies facts as they are, rather than as they might be. Over the past century,
psychology has emerged as a recognized science, with many universities offering
degree programs in psychology and psychiatry.
Before the emergence of psychology, people were either considered sane or
insane, with little understanding of the range of mental disorders that exist.
Today, however, there are special hospitals and departments within general
hospitals dedicated to treating patients with mental illnesses. Psychologists
also contribute to the educational world, advising on the behavior of both
normal and difficult children and contributing to the development of
intelligence and mental tests. In the industrial world and the services,
psychologists advise on how much work a person can handle, how much rest they
need, and how much routine and monotony they can tolerate.
Psychology also plays a critical role in the legal and police worlds, where the
focus is on abnormal behavior. Crime and lawlessness are thought to arise from
frustrations and inhibitions that result from normal reactions not being given a
normal outlet. Psychologists can help prevent crime, as well as treat and
rehabilitate criminals.
Despite its value, there are still those who scoff at psychology and cling to
the old attitudes that classified people as either wicked or insane. However,
psychology offers hope to the wide range of people with mental disorders who can
benefit from modern scientific understanding. The study of man himself,
psychology should and does play a most important part in his life. |