6 Types of Psychology With Real-World Perspective

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and the way people behave. Psychologists closely study every aspect of human experience, how the human brain works, and the environmental & social factors that shape human behavior. There are several subfields of psychology. Though psychology subfields may take different approaches, they share the following common goals:

• Describe different types of human behavior
• Explain why humans act the way they do
• Predict future behavior
• Change or control a behavior

Here are some types of psychology.

Abnormal Psychology

Put simply, abnormal behavior is any behavior that causes distress to the person exhibiting the behavior and the people around them. Abnormal behavior can interfere with daily functioning. Abnormal psychology is the study of behavioral deviations, including atypical thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

The best psychologists in Queens have received specialized training that enables them to understand why these deviations occur. Psychologists specializing in this field analyze their patients’ societal interactions and interpersonal relationships to develop a better understanding of the mental health problems they are trying to cope with. Some common mental disorders that psychologists specializing in this field treat are personality disorders, depressive disorders, eating disorders, and anxiety disorders.

Behavioral Psychology

As the name implies, behavioral psychology is the study of observable behaviors. Behavioral psychologists study the interactions between their patients’ thoughts, behaviors, emotions, and perceptions. The main aim of behavioral psychology is to understand why certain behaviors occur and how to change them. Behavioral psychologists find ways to change problematic behavior through observation, experimentation, and analysis.

Cognitive Psychology

Cognitive psychology focuses on mental processes related to thinking, perception, language, and memory. Cognitive psychologists analyze these processes by observing patient behavior. Many cognitive psychologists work in hospitals and other healthcare settings, whereas others choose to build a career in academia.

Biopsychology

Biopsychology studies the relationship between the biological bases of behavior, such as genes, hormones & neurotransmitters, and mental processes. Biological psychologists study biological changes that can lead to behavioral changes.

Biological psychologists usually work with patients with epilepsy, brain injuries, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to treating people with mental disorders, many biological psychologists design and test new drugs for pharmaceutical companies.

Social Psychology

Social psychologists study how people interact with each other and how individual and group behavior is influenced by the behavior of other people. Social psychology focuses on emotions, attitudes, beliefs, interpersonal relationships, and other factors that influence social behavior.

Developmental Psychology

Developmental psychology is the study of how people evolve physically, mentally, and emotionally throughout their lives. Developmental psychologists study different aspects of physical development, personality development, emotional development, cognitive development, and social development.

Cooper Mental Health Counseling is committed to helping individuals trying to cope with mental health problems get their mental health back on track. Our therapists focus on the root cause of mental illness rather than its symptoms. To make an appointment, call (347) 244-7873.