Media Psychologist

Media Psychologist

What is Media Psychology?

Media psychology is branch of psychology that focuses on the relationships between media and human behavior. Basically, professionals in this field study how people interact with media and each other due to media influence. This field of study can be used to determine how the media affects us and how we perceive certain elements of the media. The history of media psychology actually began back in the 1950's, when television was becoming popular. However, psychologists were more focused on children and television viewing at the time. Research began to be conducted to determine how television viewing affected a child's reading skills. Later, researchers also began to study if children watching violent television were more likely to imitate violence or exhibit anti-social behavior.
In 1987, Division 46 - the Media Psychology Division - of the American Psychological Association was created. Media psychologists, on the other hand, took this as an opportunity to study violence in the media and how it affected people.

Today, however, the field of digital media is growing at an exponential rate, and the field of media psychology is growing right along with it. Media psychologists are now not only concerned with television and its effects, but also all of the new media forms that have cropped up in recent years, such as the internet and cellular phone technology.

Why Do We Need Media Psychology?

We are a media-centric society today, many of us thrive on and need media in our live in one form or another. The question that media psychologists are trying to answer is just how it affects us. Some types of media - like newscasts reporting violent events - often affect most of us negatively. The field of media psychology can be used to help lessen the negative impact of some types of media, making it less stressful.
Media psychology studies can also be used to help create more positive media experiences as well, such as enjoyable television shows. Marketing and advertising companies can also use media psychology studies to help create more powerful ads, which can help keep the economy chugging along.

Today's society is spending more time in front of televisions and surfing the internet, partly because of the increased availability of these types of technology. First of all, it helps people adjust to the rapidly growing technological world.[1]

What does psychology have to do with media?

In academic discussions of mass media, psychology has long provided concepts, techniques, and theories of its function. Psychology, for example, brings cognitive theories to media studies. Such theories look at the interactions between receivers and the media.

What psychologists have discovered about media and people is varied, and the research has really just begun. Some psychologists explore the messages we see and hear and the effects those messages have on people. For instance, psychology has been studying the way women are portrayed on television. Women on television are generally very, very thin. Some psychologists have done research that suggests that the thin women on television make a stereotype that dictates that women should be thin, and if real-life women have different body sizes they do not feel good about themselves. Not seeing Asian-Americans on television keeps such people invisible in the mainstream of society. [2]

Sources; [1] [2]

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Geropsychology

What is Geropsychology?

Geropsychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on older adults. Mental health needs can be high. After all, this is an age group that faces a lot of loss: loss of physical ability and health, loss of lifelong relationships, loss of autonomy. It is the elderly, not the adolescent population, that is at the greatest risk of suicide.

Adults who have lifelong serious mental illnesses also carry them into their elder years; their care becomes more complex with passing years. Geropsychologists work with professionals across medical and health care disciplines.

Geropsychology is also a branch of psychology that seeks to address the concerns of older adults. Mental disorders, depression, anxiety , and age-related illnesses all increase the need for older adults to seek psychological care from geropsychologists. Geropsychology encourages older adults to live full lives well into their senior years by providing psychotherapies and interventions to treat a variety of disorders, aging concerns, and challenges.

It is also a field that provides guidance for common changes that take place in these later years, such as retirement and housing relocation issues.

Psychologists, across specialties, are experts in assessment and evaluation. Those who focus on the elderly often assess for cognitive decline or dementia; these findings may be used in legal proceedings such as guardianship.

Sources

http://www.allpsychologycareers.com/topics/geropsychology.html

http://www.psychologist-license.com/types-of-psychologists/geropsychologist.html#context/api/listings

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Neuropsychologist

What Is a Neuropsychologist?

A neuropsychologist is a physiologist who specializes in understanding the relationship between the physical brain and behavior. The brain is extremely complex, and disorders within the brain or nervous system can alter behavior and cognitive function. Neuropsychologists have a doctorate in psychology and training in neuropsychology. Neuropsychology is a psychological discipline that has developed out of our growing ability to understand the brain. Clinical neuropsychologists work directly with individuals. They provide assessments, consult with other professionals, and carry out treatment. They are adept at carrying out batteries of traditional psychological assessments. They are also very familiar with neurological tests like MRIs.

Neuropsychologists can have various specialized roles, from making assessments for insurance purposes to doing forensic consultations. They may work as part of large, multidisciplinary teams. The Association of Neuropsychology Students in Training lists the following as possible work settings: VA hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals and outpatient centers, neurology centers, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and private practice settings. Some neuropsychologists focus specifically on pediatric populations; children may have a variety of conditions including genetic disorders, brain tumors, or epilepsy. Neuropsychology also entails the development of models and methods for understanding normal and abnormal brain function.

What Does a Neuropsychologist Do?

Neuropsychologists evaluate and treat people with various types of nervous system disorders.

·         memory difficulties

·         mood disturbances

·         learning difficulties

·         nervous system dysfunction

If other doctors can’t identify the cause of a condition, a neuropsychologist can help determine a diagnosis.

·         Stroke. A stroke can affect behavior, thinking, memory, and other brain functions. An evaluation helps determine the degree of stroke impairment.

·         Parkinson’s disease. This type of progressive disorder can cause several neurological problems. A neuropsychologist’s exam can provide a baseline in order to determine disease progression and decreased function. 

·         Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia can interfere with memory, personality, and cognitive abilities.

·          Traumatic brain injuries. Injuries to the brain can cause a wide variety of symptoms. A neuropsychologist can help determine how an injury affects functions like reasoning or problem solving skills.  

·         Learning disabilities. A neuropsychologist can help determine the type of learning disorder in order to develop a treatment plan.

Typical Neuropsychological Procedures

The nervous system is complex, so different types of procedures are used to identify problems and treatment plans.

·         Neuropsychological Evaluation

This evaluation is an assessment of how your brain functions. Questions will ascertain your ability to perform daily tasks, as well as identify memory issues, and mental health concerns. The interview will also cover information on symptoms, medical history, and medications you take.

·         Tests

An evaluation includes different types of standardized tests. The tests measure many areas of brain function, including memory and cognitive ability. Tests may also measure personality, problem solving, and reasoning. Tests will also assess emotions and personality.

·         Brain Scans

Brain scans, such as computerized tomography scans (CT scans) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can help a neuropsychologist make a diagnosis.

Neuropsychological Procedure Results

Evaluation and test results may help determine the cause of a problem when other methods don’t work. Mild thinking and memory problems may be subtle, but tests can identify even mild problems with memory and cognitive abilities.

Neuropsychologists help develop a treatment plan by understanding how the brain functions and how functioning relates to behavior.

 

References

http://www.healthline.com/health/neuropsychologist#Overview1

http://www.psychologist-license.com/types-of-psychologists/neuropsychologist.html#context/api/listings

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Rehabilitation Psychology

What is Rehabilitation Psychology?

Most people deal with all sorts of problems throughout the course of their lives. Overcoming severe forms of these problems will often require professional help and guidance.

Every life has challenges, but for people living with a disability or chronic illness, everyday tasks can be burdensome. Likewise, individuals experiencing mental health or emotional issues, substance use disorders or chronic pain may struggle to get the support they need to recover and live well.

Rehabilitation psychologists support individuals as they cope with the mental and physical challenges their conditions present. They often teach their patients how to adapt and make lifestyle choices that promote good health.

Rehabilitation psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on treating individuals dealing with disabilities and problems that make living normal lives difficult. Professionals in this field try to help people with these types of problems adjust and work toward leading happy and healthy lives.

This area of psychology involves treating a broad range of problems. Some of the problems that rehabilitation psychologists treat may be mental or emotional, and they may include such things as depression, anxiety, developmental disabilities, and learning disabilities. Other problems that rehabilitation psychologists treat might be physical, such as addiction or chronic pain. Problems that rehabilitation psychologists treat might be chronic or acute, and they might also be congenital or acquired.

Why Do We Need Rehabilitation Psychology?

Rehabilitation psychology can help with some of these problems. Everyone deserves a chance at a normal, happy life, and rehabilitation psychologists can work to help some people achieve this.

What Does a Rehabilitation Psychologist Do?

Rehabilitation psychology is a very broad area of psychology, and it covers a wide range of different psychological problems. Many rehabilitation psychologists specialize in certain areas of this field, and they only work with certain types of patients. Rehabilitation psychologists are often responsible for assessing their patients to determine what is wrong with them. If the situation warrants it, loved ones might also ask a rehabilitation psychologist to help with staging an intervention. After assessing and diagnosing a patient, a rehabilitation psychologist is also usually responsible for recommending a course of treatment. In most cases, these psychologists will be able to help the patients. Treatment often includes different types of therapy, including one-on-one therapy, group therapy, and family therapy. During therapy sessions, a rehabilitation psychologist will usually lend a compassionate and non-judgmental ear.

Where Do Rehabilitation Psychologists Work?

Rehabilitation psychologists might work in a number of different health facilities. This can include hospitals, physical therapy centers, long-term care centers, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, psychiatric hospitals, and mental health clinics. Some rehabilitation psychologists also choose to open their own practices.

References

http://careersinpsychology.org/start-your-rehabilitation-psychology-career/

http://www.apa.org/action/science/rehabilitation/

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Spiritual Psychology

What is Spiritual Psychology?

Faith and religion even helps some people going during rough times in their lives. Spiritual Psychology is a blend of spirituality and science. It uses elements of both traditional psychology and spirituality in order to help individuals feel better and more content with their lives.

Professionals in the field of spiritual psychology understand that the body, mind, and the spirit all work together, therefore, they must be studied together. In a way, spiritual psychology focuses on repairing fractured souls or replacing missing pieces of the soul. Spiritual psychology has been around in some form for centuries.

Spiritual psychologists infuse spirituality into their research and/ or clinical practice. Spirituality can be mildly controversial in a scientific field, but universities and professional organizations have stepped forward as guides. By perusing Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, one can see the latest research: everything from reducing burnout in Catholic clergy members to examining the relationship between spirituality and subjective measures of well-being

 Why Do We Need Spiritual Psychology?

Spiritual psychology and spiritual counseling enables patients to better understand their own beliefs and work through that confusion. Spiritual psychologists can help individuals by allowing them to explore their spiritual side and work toward repairing any shattered pieces of their souls. Aspiring spiritual psychologists should have an education that is a mixture of traditional psychology and spirituality, or religion.

A spiritual psychology career typically starts with a bachelor's degree in general psychology. This usually involves taking a number of psychology courses, including courses in developmental psychology, transpersonal psychology, clinical psychology, creative consciousness, and counseling psychology. Students interested in a spiritual psychology careers should also take classes in theology and religion, particularly eastern religions.

The majority of spiritual psychologists also hold advanced degrees, such as master's degrees and doctorates. If possible, an advanced degree specifically in spiritual psychology is best. Advanced degrees in counseling psychology with a concentration in spirituality are also sufficient.

What Does a Spiritual Psychologist Do?

The main duty of a spiritual psychologist is to counsel people and help them to achieve spiritual wellbeing as well as mental and emotional wellbeing.

Many of the patients who seek help from a spiritual psychologist are going through spiritual crises. A spiritual psychologist can help his patients explore their spiritual paths in life.

A spiritual psychologist will also usually guide his patients with such things as meditation and altered states of consciousness. Guided visualization is another popular technique used by spiritual psychologists. In many ways, spiritual psychologists are also similar to counseling psychologists. These professionals listen to their patients' problems and help them work through them. See also: transpersonal psychologists.

Spiritual Psychologist Education and Training

A student who is interested in incorporating spirituality in his or her clinical practice will not necessarily enroll in a program that is labeled "spiritual psychology". It is sufficient to pick a program where some of the faculty have spirituality as an area of interest.

Division 36 has compiled a list of graduate programs that include some focus on spirituality and religion. A prospective student can see which faculty members are interested in spiritual research or clinical training and where their interests lie (for example, clergy-psychology collaboration or integrating spirituality into community-based intervention and recovery).

Where Do Spiritual Psychologists Work?

Spiritual psychologists can often secure employment in a number of different places, such as churches, mental health facilities, and rehabilitation clinics. Spiritual psychologists can also choose to open their own practices. They might operate as spiritual psychologists or similar professionals, such as life coaches or personal growth counselors.

What is the Median Salary for Spiritual Psychologists?

In 2009, the median salary for counselors was $44,400.

References

http://www.psychologist-license.com/types-of-psychologists/spiritual-psychologist.html#context/api/listings/prefilter

http://www.apadivisions.org/division-36/publications/journals/index.aspx

http://careersinpsychology.org/becoming-a-spiritual-psychologist/

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Social Psychologist

Human psychology today - As a general rule, the majority of people act differently when they are with different groups of people. Social psychology is the study of how the presence of people can affect one individual's behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. The group of people that can influence a person is often real, but the imagined or even the implied presence of other people can sometimes alter an individual's behavior or thoughts. Social psychology is often thought to be a combination between sociology and psychology, since it utilizes research and analytical methods from both areas. Although social psychology is similar to sociology, it is also very different. For instance, professionals in both of these fields have a particular interest in groups of people. Sociology, however, focuses on group behavior, while social psychology focuses on how a group of people influences each individual in that group.

This special field of psychology began in the early 20th century, and it was spurred on by experiments on social facilitation performed by Norman Triplett in 1898.

Why Do We Need Social Psychology?

The world, unfortunately is teeming with all different sorts of social problems. Some of the problem areas that social psychology can be used to study include

·         prejudice

·         bullying

·         criminal activity

·         community health problems, like HIV and AIDS

·         substance abuse

·         family and domestic problems

Not all group influences on individuals is negative, however. Social psychology can be used to study these types of situations and possibly be used to help create more.

What Does a Social Psychologist Do?

Social psychologists might analyze previous social psychology research results, or they might conduct original research. Reading research papers and social psychology journals is often the best way to study research conducted by other social psychologists, and original research can be conducted a few different ways.

First, social psychologists can create environments that are replicas of real world environments. Individuals and groups of individuals can be put in these environments, and social psychologists can then observe their behaviors and actions. Social psychologists might also ask interview a person while monitoring brain activity with sophisticated equipment.

Since the presence of social psychologists and medical equipment can influence how a person behaves, however, many social psychologists prefer to do their research "in the field". The research that psychologists conduct can be applied to solve a number of real world problems, from minor problems to major problems. Some social psychologists might also provide counseling for individuals affected by social problems.

Where Does a Social Psychologist Work?

Other facilities might also hire social psychologists, like schools, correctional facilities, and social welfare organizations. Marketing and advertising firms also sometimes hire social psychologists for marketing research.

What is the Median Salary for Social Psychologists?

The Bureau of labor Statistics does not record salary data specifically for social psychologists, but it does record salary data for a number of similar professions.

Psychologists that worked at elementary and secondary schools, however, made $89,570 and those in scientific research and development made a median salary of $100,790.

Source

http://careersinpsychology.org/becoming-a-social-psychologist/

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Military Psychologist

Human psychology today, Military psychologists specialize in diagnosing and treating military personnel. Military psychologists can be civilians, enlisted personnel, or research psychologists specializing in issues affecting the military. Additionally, they assist family members of soldiers struggling with emotional or mental health disorders.

For example, the military employs psychologists to assist commanders develop training programs for Navy SEALS and other elite soldiers known as Survival, Escape, Resistance and Evasion (SERE) training. Military psychologists conduct research, provide counseling, and administer clinical treatments.

Military psychologists employed by the Navy or Army usually offer clinical services, rather than conduct research. Military psychologists specializing in research usually attempt to better understand how personality traits indicate attitudes toward safety, what types of personalities best suit specific military occupation specialties, and how to more effectively treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Clinical military psychologists administer psychological assessments and psychotherapy, conduct forensic analysis, develop training programs, and teach. Each military branch has psychologists assigned to work with its enlisted personnel.

Military psychologists also interview officers to determine whether they’re capable of fulfilling their assigned duties.

A military psychologist is often involved in maintaining the mental health of current service members or veterans. The primary objective of a military psychologist is to keep individuals mentally fit for service.

Practice

Some psychologists evaluate service members for signs of posttraumatic stress disorder. When facing difficult emotional problems, service members may also voluntarily seek out the psychologist for treatment, and psychologists must be able to work with the diverse members of the organization they serve.

Research

Psychological research in the military aims to keep the military as a whole functioning. By understanding how individuals work within the military from a psychological perspective, an organization can improve cohesion and attentiveness by instituting policies that keep personnel healthy.

References

http://www.psychologycareercenter.org/military-psychologist.html

http://study.com/articles/Military_Psychologist_Job_Duties_and_Education_Requirements.html

 

 

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Forensic Psychologist

Human psychology today, Since forensic psychology is a relatively new field within psychology, it is still having growing pains. Most forensic psychology textbook authors describe forensic psychology as having a broad definition and a narrow definition. This definition emphasizes the application of clinical psychology to the forensic setting. The broad definition of forensic psychology emphasizes the application of research and experimentation in other areas of psychology (e.g., cognitive psychology, social psychology) to the legal arena. Although there are master’s level degrees in forensic psychology, all forensic psychologists must have either a PhD or a PsyD degree from an APA-accredited or Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)-accredited doctoral program. Practitioners can also become board certified (as diplomates) by the American Board of Forensic Psychology.

Forensic psychology has grown in the past 20 years. Forensic psychologists work in many different legal environments, writing reports, giving testimony, doing direct treatment or working with therapeutic communities. Forensic psychology is definitely here to stay.

The Duties of a Forensic Psychologist

Forensic psychologists are often involved in both criminal and civil matters.

What type of degree do forensic psychologists need?

Currently there is no single accepted training model for forensic psychologists. In most cases, however, forensic psychologists need a doctoral degree in psychology, usually in clinical or counseling psychology. in clinical psychology before earning some type of postdoctoral training and specialization in forensic psychology.

The American Board of Forensic Psychology offers professionals the opportunity to be certified as a Diplomat of Forensic Psychology.

In an article for Psychology Today, forensic psychologist Dr. Karen Franklin tackled the thorny issue of the sudden rise of terminal online master's programs focusing on forensic psychology.

Is a career in forensic psychology right for me?

Forensic psychologists need patience, creativity, and commitment. Are you interested in studying both law and psychology? Students who enjoy both subjects may find that forensic psychology is the perfect career choice.

References

http://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn/2013/09/forensic-psychology.aspx

http://psychology.about.com/od/psychologycareerprofiles/a/forensicpsych.htm

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History of Psychology

The roots of western psychology can be traced to Greek philosophy. The word psychology itself is derived from the Greek words ‘psyche’ which means soul and ‘logos’ which means study. Psychology thus started as a part of philosophy and became an independent discipline much later.

Plato and Aristotle where among the first philosophers who thought about the mind. Plato believed that body and mind are two separate entities and mind could exist even after death. But he was positive in that education can bring change to the basic nature of the mind. Aristotle, who was the disciple ofPlato, followed the feet of his teacher and believed in the body-mind duality. But he thought that of each of these is the manifestation of the other. He, but, was pessimistic about the role of education in changing the fundamental nature of humans.

Rene Descartes, the French philosopher and mathematician, who originated the Cartesian system of coordinates or the coordinate geometry, also believed in the body-mind duality. But he was open enough to consider that there is an uninterrupted transaction between the body and the mind.

In the eighteenth century AD, John Locke, a British national, proposed that knowledge depends upon the experience based on the sense organ and that thinking is not innate. He also considered that the mind of a newly-born child is like a clean-slate on which anything can be written. Locke believed that knowledge occurs only when the sense organs interact with the outer world.

These two ideas – the body-mind duality and the ‘clean-slate’ mind - have been the strong roots of the western psychology for many decades. Only in the twentieth century western psychologists, especially Jung, Maslow and others, were able to break free from this limiting concepts.

In the twentieth century AD, German scientist E.H.Weber attempted a scientific approach in the study of the mind by his finding of the quantitative relation between stimulus intensity and the resultant sensory experience. This was later known as the Weber’s law.

Almost in the same period, G.T.Fechner, who is called the father of quantitative psychology, coined psycho-physics which is the quantitative study of external structures and sensory experience.

Then came Darwin with his revolutionary ‘origin of species’ which influenced psychology and human thought.

In 1879, Wilhelm Wundt, a German scientist, established the world’s first psychological lab at Leipzig, Germany. His aim was to prove that there is a physical activity for every mental activity. He opined that psychologists should study sensation, perception, and emotions.

In the first decade of the 20^th Century AD, the Russian psychologist Ivan P. Pavlov made a path breaking finding when he was studying the digestion process in dogs. Before the experimental dog was given food, a bell was sounded. When this was repeated several times, the dog started salivating the very moment it heard the bell sound. Pavlov called this the conditioned reflex. This was one of the greatest findings that made radical changes in the field of psychology.

Source; http://www.psychology4all.com/historyw.htm

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Jobs In Psychology

Careers in The Field of Psychology

I will try to share some careers in psychology. There are:

1.     Clinical psychologists

Clinical psychologists are the psychologists in charge of analyzing, identifying, treating, and preventing mental disorders and issues. Don’t mistake them for medical doctors as they can’t prescribe medical treatment in most of the country, instead they work in private practice, or state-run hospitals, or an academic environment and study psychological disorders such as schizophrenia and depression. Their job is to help their patients identify, understand, and treat both common and serious mental disorders.

2.     Counseling psychologists

Counseling psychologists focus on the emotional, social, educational, and developmental behavior on people and use that research to help encourage and facilitate more successful personal and interpersonal behavior. Counseling psychologists do everything from consulting work for government agencies and large schools to individual and group therapy for those suffering from substance abuse, anxiety disorders, and many others.

3.     Forensic Psychologists

Forensic Psychologists are the intermediaries between the field of psychology and the justice system because they are responsible for applying psychology to the field of justice, criminal investigation, and law. Forensic psychologists are called upon during legal disputes like custody battles, insurance hearings, and other types of lawsuits. They investigate reports, evaluate the behavior of both parties, and determine mental competency of defendants.

4.     Organizational-Industrial psychologists

Organizational-Industrial psychologists are scientists who study employees, the workplace environment, and organizational structure. They are tasked with determining how to make a organization more productive and efficient by examining employee behaviors and the motivations behind them, external workplace influencers, and infrastructure in place and how it can be improved. They try to identify spots where effectiveness and efficiency can be improved through hiring best practices, feedback, and training drills.

5.     Sports psychologists

Sports psychologists focus on the psychological aspects of sports and athletics, including topics such as motivation, performance, and injury. The two major areas within sports psychology are centered on helping improve athletic performance or using sports to improve mental and physical health. Sports psychologists work in a wide variety of settings including universities, hospitals, athletic centers, private consulting practices, and research facilities.

References;
http://psychology.about.com/od/careersinpsychology/tp/psychology-career-trends.htm
http://careersinpsychology.org/psychology-careers/

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Educational Pychologist

What is Educational Psychologist?

An educational psychologist is concerned with helping children or young people who are experiencing problems within an educational setting with the aim of enhancing their learning.

Challenges may include social or emotional problems or learning difficulties. Work is with individual clients or groups, advising:

• teachers
• parents;
• social workers;
• other professionals.

Client work involves an assessment of the child using observation, interviews and test materials. Educational psychologists offer a wide range of appropriate interventions, such as learning programmes and collaborative work with teachers or parents.

They also provide in-service training for teachers and other professionals on issues such as behaviour and stress management.

Work can also involve research and advising on educational provisions and policies.[1]

Why Do We Need Educational Psychology?

Many of us might take learning and education for granted. Going to class and being taught is or was just something that we did. For others, however, learning in a classroom isn't so simple. For these people, school is an annoying and frustrating torture, which can often lead to behavioral issues or even the lack of an education.

Learning disabilities often contribute a great deal to being unable to retain knowledge in a classroom setting. Educational psychology, however, can be used to help people understand and overcome learning disabilities, so they are able to live up to their full potential in life.[2]

What does an Educational Psychologist do?

Educational psychologists promote the learning of all children and young people in Hampshire. They offer consultation, advice and training on how early years settings and schools and parents/carers might help children and young people to learn effectively, and to make the most out of their education.

Your child’s early education setting or school may ask an educational psychologist for advice about your child. You will always be informed of any discussions that take place.

The educational psychologist will listen to the early years setting's or school’s concerns about your child and details of what the school has already done. The educational psychologist will work with the teachers to plan the best way to help your child progress.[3]

Sources; [1] [2] [3]

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