Diverse Nature of Psychology Essay

Psychology has a diverse nature. Diversity describes the diverse nature of the field not diversity in human race. The following paper will define two examples of sub-disciplines of psychology and two theories connected to the sub-disciplines, how these two examples connect with contemporary society other than psychology, relate sub-disciplines to a theoretical perspective, and my psychological contribution to society. Diversity within the field of psychology is strength and a challenge. There are four primary areas which are clinical, counseling, school, and industrial/organizational psychology. Sub-fields exist in these primary areas. Each sub-field has distinct unique theories to help encourage the growth in psychology. A psychologist that offers a broader view when considering theoretical approach in areas, the more understanding they offer their patients or clients. The simple truth is along with diversity comes help for everyone and every problem. According to (Park, N. , & Peterson, C. , 2009) â€Å"one of psychology’s strengths has been its willingness to embrace different purposes, perspectives, and approaches, and this recommendation is in the spirit of the field’s history†. Two sub-disciplines of focus are personality psychology and counseling psychology. Personality psychology is the study of individual’s personalities and what makes people who they are. â€Å"Within personality psychology, some propose that aspects of behavior and cognition can be explained with reference to personality traits. However, certain conceptual and logical issues cast doubt upon the adequacy of traits as coherent explanatory constructs† (Boag, 2011, pg. 223). Two personality theories are five factory theory and trait theory. According to the trait theory, personality is a production of numerous traits combined. Traits are personality characteristics that influence an individual’s behavior. â€Å"McCrae and Costa (1995) define traits as ‘‘dimensions of individual differences in tendencies to show consistent patterns of thoughts, feelings, and action’’ and which ‘‘transcend situational constraints’’† (Bog, 2011, pg. 230). Personality traits can simply be situation, which means that depending on what situation the individual is in can influence their personality. The five factor theory is based on five basic divisions of personality traits which are extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness. McCrae especially favored this theory simply because it was universal. This theory could fit many individuals regardless of culture or up-bringing. The five factory theory is not only universal, but also has biological origins. The fact that personality psychology can alter depending on situational occurrences is important to remember. Counseling psychology is the sub-discipline where not all individuals go on to become clinical psychology but only counseling psychologists. Counseling psychology focuses on the welling being of individuals by counseling them to reach their full potential as human beings. Counseling psychology also differs from clinical psychology because counseling psychology works towards prevention of symptoms instead of only treatment. â€Å"As a specialty within professional psychology, counseling psychology has a long history of exploring its identity and core values as represented with terms such as scientist–practitioner, vocational/work/career, normal development, diversity, relationships, prevention, strength-based, holism, social justice, and collaborative multidisciplinary practice, and the diversity statement† (Nicholas & Stern, 2011, pg. 332). Two theories connected to clinical psychology are psychoanalytical theory by Sigmund Freud and psychosocial theory by Erik Erickson. Psychoanalytical theory has three main parts which are the id, the ego, and the super ego. â€Å"Psychoanalysis profoundly transformed many traditional perspectives, uncovered the unsuspected initial diversity and wealth of potentialities in human nature, and thereby indeed held out the promise of an infinitely freer and richer development and humanity—provided it could chart the evolution from the relatively unformed state of the infant to the mature adult condition† (Freud and Development, 1985, pg. ). According the Freud the id simply drives the individual’s basic instincts. The ego seeks out to please the desires of the id. The super ego seeks out perfection and is sometimes the mediator between the id and the ego. Psychosocial theory was formed by Erik Erickson and displays the developmental routine of an individual by highlighting seven basic stages. This theory focuses on early development and the influence later on in the individual’s life. Social environment plays a role in an individual’s growth, thoughts, and behaviors. Psychosocial well-being is an important area of attention in early childhood care and education because when psychosocial problems appear, they can often persist past childhood. Based on their working experience with many different children, teachers of young children are aware that they make important contributions to the healthy social and emotional development† (Berkhoult, Dolk, & Goorhuis-Brouwer, 2010, pg. 103). Personality psychology and counseling psychology are tremendous help to social and work life. Personality psychology can help an individual understand the influences on their personality from their up-bringing and social lives. Individuals can offer insight to fellow co workers at their jobs. Understanding personality can help in work environments by encouraging close and trustworthy relationships between employees. Since personality traits are situational, work and social environments will have influences over these traits. Freud’s psychoanalytical theory can help an individual understand their wants and desires in their social and work lives. Psychosocial theory can encourage healing and prevent symptoms from continuing to affect individuals in a negative manner. Psychosocial also explains the individual’s history and what experiences have made them behave in certain ways. The humanistic perspective focuses on individuals meeting their full potential as human beings. This perspective highlights the best image of the person and focuses on the good of a person. â€Å"Over the last few years, counselor training has focused more on formal diagnosis, but this increased focus has been questioned. In the end, the question seems less about whether formal diagnosis will be taught and more about how it will be taught. The author argues that diagnosis should be taught from a social constructionist rather than an objectivist perspective because of the former perspective’s humanistic focus† (McLaughlin, 2006, pg. 165). The humanistic perspective can help in personality psychology and the concepts by offering insight to seeking out the good in an individual’s personality and traits. Personality psychology also gives some insight to the image of an individual simply because personality makes an individual who they are. The humanistic perspective also influences counseling psychology by focusing on the ndividual, the good and the bad. Counseling psychology does not only focus on helping symptoms but also preventing symptoms. Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytical theory can connect with humanistic perspective by understanding the id, the ego, and the super ego as defining the individual. The ego is the basic make up of the individual and will influence who the individual becomes. Erik Erickson’s psychosocial theory connects to the humanistic perspective by realizing who the individual is in their social lives. Understanding who an individual is in their personal lives can help focus on the good of the person. My personal psychological contribution comes through my goal to obtain my Masters in Psychology and help individuals addicted to drugs. I form goals and make road maps to accomplish these specific goals. My psychology classes have helped my current relationships in my personal life. I am recently engaged to a man who has three young children experiencing a horrific custody battle between their parents. I am able to offer some comfort and understanding to my fiance on how to handle his children at times. I by no means intrude or impose my ideas on him, but simply offer ignore or take advice. The field of psychology is continuously changing along with the human race. Diversity within the field is an important factor in helping mental health of the human race. There are sub-disciplines and theories to help each and every individual. Personality psychology and counseling psychology link closely together to offer a deep understand of why an individual is who they are. Freud and Erickson formulated beautiful theories that see, understand, and encourage the individuals through their pasts and on to their futures in a positive manner.