Summary
Psychology is involved with the study of behaviors, processes, and mental status. It influences the development of positive attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions. Psychologists usually assess patients to diagnose health conditions and their possible causes. They offer treatment through interventions such as psychotherapy and counseling. Therefore, most psychology theories are based on observing and interpreting human behaviors. Psychologists conduct scientific research to guide and inform individuals about issues such as family relationships, emotional wellness, and professional lives. The paper explores the psychology discipline and considers current topics, foundational theories, theorists, and management relevance.
Describing Psychology Discipline
Psychology is a scientific discipline concerned with the study of behavior and mind. It helps explain how the mind works and its impact on behaviors. It incorporates diverse aspects of human experience, including childcare, development, and functions of the brains. Psychiatrists and psychologists usually work together to assist individuals with mental health issues (Nadal, 2020). Psychologists provide psychotherapy interventions to influence behavioral changes and relieve devastating symptoms. Psychiatrists apply different approaches, including prescribing medication, to help manage mental health conditions.
Current Topics of Discussion in Psychology
Current topics of discussion in psychology are human cognition, career, historical figures, human development, disorders and therapies. Other current topics are discrimination and prejudice, attitude, social cognition, nonverbal communication, leadership, prosocial behaviors, and persuasion. Psychology is becoming more relevant in different aspects of life and it is necessary to recognize its role (Boniwell & Tunariu, 2019). Today, psychological disorders and their treatment modalities are widely explored. Some common psychological disorders include phobias, depression, schizophrenia, and eating disorders.
The Foundational Theories and Theorists
Foundational psychology theories are behavioral, evolutionary, cognitive, humanistic, biological, and psychodynamic. Cognitive theory focuses on processing, storage, organizing, and retrieving information. Theorists who facilitated the development of these theories are Jerome Bruner (1915), George Miller (1920), and Ulrich Neisser (1928). Behavioral theories are based on observable behaviors to identify and support the treatment of affected individuals. J.B Watson is the theorist behind the development of behaviorism, and Ivan Pavlov influenced him. B.F. Skinner is a contemporary psychologist who followed a behaviorism perspective.
Psychodynamic theories consider psychological forces and drives within individuals, explaining personality and behaviors. Sigmund Freud developed the theory that considered the unconscious mind as the cause of psychological dysfunction and distress (Boniwell & Tunariu, 2019). The humanistic theory argues that every individual is unique and tends to experience the world differently. Theorists Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow, and Viktor Frankl developed the theory in the 1950s and 1960s. They emphasized the autonomy and freedom of every individual.
Biological or physiological theories consider different mental and behavioral processes. Physiological changes influence human behaviors since there is a connection between mental processes, behaviors and the body. Physiological perspectives define the role of nerve cells in influencing individual reasoning, emotion, speaking, intelligence, and problem-solving. Karl Lashley developed the theory by examining brain activities and interactions (Boniwell & Tunariu, 2019). Evolutionary theory explains that natural selection favors certain traits based on structure and behaviors. Charles Darwin (1859) developed the theory and focused on the adaptation process.
The Relevance of Psychology to Management
Psychology is relevant to management because it plays an important role in the workplace. It enables managers to motivate, support, train, and select employees. The disciple helps managers to control and guide behaviors in the workplace. They can influence productivity and support the achievement of a desirable outcome. Managers can apply their psychological skills to encourage the development of an effective organizational culture that would promote productivity (Corum, 2015). Moreover, psychology supports the establishment of a successful workplace while providing desirable technology that would enhance the quality of life.
In conclusion, psychology is an important discipline that supports the development of desirable behaviors and mindsets. Current topics address issues affecting most people in modern society and setup. They focus on establishing solutions to existing problems to promote quality of life. Psychology is relevant to management because it facilitates the establishment of an effective culture and the improvement of attitude and productivity. Psychology helps develop better means of identifying areas requiring improvement in an organization.
References
Boniwell, I., & Tunariu, A. D. (2019). Positive psychology: Theory, research and applications. McGraw-Hill Education.
Corum, R. (2015). Principles of management: A Christian perspective. WestBow Press.
Nadal, K. L. (2020). Filipino American psychology: A handbook of theory, research, and clinical practice. John Wiley & Sons.