Matilda Roskell Discovers How Psychology Changes Minds
By: Matilda Roskell
Tags: Psychology, Science, Biology, Developmental Psychology, New Jersey

The topic of psychology is fascinating to many people. Matilda Roskell, a student from Syracuse University, has a particular interest in human communication. By studying how people think, individuals can better relate to one another.

What Is The Study of Psychology?

According to American Psychological Association, the science of psychology examines the relationship between brain function and human behavior. It is a multifaceted discipline and contains branches of topics and sub-fields. Areas of study can include human development, health, clinical and social behavior.

Abnormal Psychology

Abnormal psychology is one subset that focuses on abnormal behavior and psychopathology. This area largely focuses on research and treatment options. This is an especially interesting division because of its understanding of “normal.”

What is considered “normal” often changes throughout history. Cultural developments can greatly impact individuals in the way they raise their children, view sexuality, and relate to others. Abnormal psychology studies the violation of social norms and analyzes maladaptive behavior based on society and the human brain.

Several well-known professionals have their psychological explanations as to why maladaptive behavior exists. Sigmund Freud’s structural model is designed to define how one individual interacts with his or her external world. His idea of the “id” and the “superego” explains this theory.

Biological Psychology

Neuroscience is used during the study of biological psychology. By conducting experiments on animals, scientists were able to understand distinguishing characteristics in behavior. Altering an organism’s nervous system was measured to know how biology affects the mind.

Biological psychologists focus on the thought process and genetics as well as the brain’s overall chemical makeup. They often research the brain to understand behavioral effects from brain injuries and issues with mental health.

Biological psychology allows individuals like Matilda Roskell to understand the development of feelings. Concentrating on neurons that affect brain functions has allowed researchers to examine emotion better.

Developmental Psychology

Matilda Roskell Discusses Developmental Psychology

Developmental psychology is a fascinating area of study that concentrates on the lifespan of human beings. By studying how individuals change over time, psychologists can understand why behaviors manifest.

Developmental psychology studies an array of life stages. Throughout the lifecycle, physical development, as well as cognitive development, is noted. Motor skills, executive function, moral development, language, and identity formation shape an individual’s psychology.

By studying the impact of both nature and nurture, this division of psychology encompasses several theories. Both the environmental impact and genetics are thought to have a critical role in the feelings and behavior of all individuals.

Popular Theories

Theories in psychology are used to understand subsets of the profession. The history of these theories is often long and built on both nature and nurture.

Systematic Desensitization

Joseph Wolpe developed the theory of systematic desensitization in the 1950s. This theory is based around a type of behavioral therapy that is focused on classical conditioning. The idea behind this theory is that by gradually using controlled stimulus, an individual can remove the fear response associated with it. Systematic desensitization has been associated with reading multiple gruesome stories in the newspaper over several years or regularly watching violence on TV.

Social Learning

Albert Bandura proposed the social learning theory in the 1970s. This theory emphasizes imitation and observance to understand the attitudes of others. Social learning consists of both environmental and cognitive factors that can influence the behavior and feelings of others. Studying observational learning allows students to grasp empathy and influence at the same time.

Why Do So Many People Gravitate Toward Psychology?

Psychology is something that most of us can relate to, notes Matilda Roskell. Because we all have our own set of feelings and behaviors, the motivation for what’s behind them is a natural curiosity. By better understanding ourselves, we can also understand how to relate to others.

Understanding psychology allows an individual to understand the “why” behind thoughts and desires. Taking a comprehensive look at one’s background and history is likely to show certain reasons why life looks the way it does. The study of psychology often provides a way to move forward that’s healthy and rewarding.

Many students are interested in studying psychology for career advancement as well as social intrigue. A psychology degree is helpful in many areas, including marketing. With proper education, a psychology degree can open up opportunities to further their profession or begin training. Clinical, educational, and occupational psychology are all valuable degrees in the workforce.

In addition to identifying the feelings of others, psychology often attracts people who wish to explore their thoughts and emotions. Psychology can help people notice the influences of friends, family, and other relationships. Using a scientific approach to study feelings, this approach can add a degree of calculation to what might otherwise feel chaotic.

Wrap Up

Since society requires individuals to interact with one another, it is important to understand social norms clearly. Acting in ways that help others will benefit the individual as well as those around him or her. While psychology may not provide answers to how everyone acts, it can help navigate a life that feels meaningful and manageable.