The broad field of psychology encompasses numerous specialties or disciplines. This list of specialities within the study of human behavior includes brief definitions.
The study of human behavior is divided into many specialties or types of psychology. Many of these different disciplines overlap. That is, a school psychologist may assess and treat a child with a psychological disorder. Or the child may be referred to a clinical psychologist for more involved therapy.
Types of Psychology
Clinical psychologists treat people who exhibit mental or emotional disorders which range from uncomfortable reactions to the stress of daily life to extreme psychological disorders.
Community psychology is mostly preventative in nature. These psychologists specialize in human behavior at home, at school, and in neighborhoods.
Counseling psychologists are therapists who help clients adjust to life, make important decisions, and help people cope. This field of human behavior is similar to clinical psychology.
Developmental psychology focuses on human development from birth to death. This type of psychology describes, measures, and explains age-related changes in behavior.
Educational psychology is research-oriented, and focuses on how people learn. Teachers, school administrators, and guidance counselors may apply the findings of educational psychologists in schools, colleges, or universities.
Environmental psychologists attempt to improve the interactions between humans and the environment. The management of natural resources, effects of extreme environments, and architectural design are part of this branch of human behavior.
Experimental psychology focuses on basic processes of human interaction and biology. This type of psychology often involves studies on animals and people.
Family psychologists are therapists who concentrate on the family and how it affects our development and lives. Sexual dysfunction and family counseling may be subsections of family psychology.
Forensic psychologists study criminal behavior, and often assist law enforcement agencies in criminal investigations.
Geriatric psychology focuses on the health and well-being of older people. This field of human behavior includes both practical and research applications.
Health psychology is a branch of human behavior that is concerned with the psychological implications of actions on health. For instance, smoking, weight gain, stress management and fitness can affect our mental health – and that’s what health therapists focus on.
Organizational psychology focuses on our relationships to work. This study of human behavior includes career counseling, cross-training, retirement planning, and job productivity.
Physiological psychology is about the genetic and physical roots of psychological disorders, such as how our brains change due to drug use or how cells develop and function.
Positive psychology is a relatively new area in the study of human behavior. It encompasses a holistic approach to mental wellness, with a shift away from disease to personal wellness and health.
Psychometrics focuses on psychological testing and assessment. Psychometrists are employed at private companies and government organizations.
Rehabilitation psychologists help people with handicaps, such as birth trauma or stroke, improve their functioning in the world. This field of human behavior ranges from birth to old age.
School psychology focuses on the intellectual and emotional development of young people.
Social psychology explores how we live in the world. Pop cultural, group behavior, the media, and our attitudes and opinions are all part of social psychology.
Sport psychologists are therapists who concentrate on the mental and emotional factors that affect professional or amateur athletes. Sport therapists attempt to maximize motivation and performance.
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This is a really good source of information for young people who are
wishing to be psychologists in the future. I am one of those people and it
has opened my eyes to all the types of psychology ther is in the world and
I thank this website for that.
Dec 5, 2008 8:01 PM
Guest :
This is an excellent site. i did not know that we had so many different
Psychologist. this i formation helped me alot.
Dec 14, 2008 6:30 PM
Guest :
yes. The guest below me is one hundred percent right! I am a
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Jan 9, 2009 9:54 AM
Guest :
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Jan 12, 2009 9:43 AM
Guest :
I'm about to turn seventeen in August 15, Saturday. I'm so interested in
psychology but wasn't exactly sure what type of psychologist I want to
become so in seeing this, I will choose.
Feb 8, 2009 1:57 PM
Guest :
great source helped me out on what i want to go in study.thanks
Feb 26, 2009 6:47 PM
Guest :
"This is a really good source of information for young people who are
wishing to be psychologists in the future. I am one of those people and it
has opened my eyes to all the types of psychology ther is in the world and
I thank this website for that."
i completeley agree with
this person. i also wich to study psychology but this really helped me sort
of see what my choices are. i am more inclined into forensic psychology or
Psychometrics. Thank you so much!
Feb 28, 2009 11:12 PM
Guest :
this is a wonderful webpage! it helped me see the different types and
i've narrowed my decision to 6 out of the 19 options :D! im really
happy now thank you suite 101 im 15 and im so excited i know what
i'd like to do ^.^ ~Ali ^.~
Mar 13, 2009 11:23 PM
Guest :
I am 16,aspiring to excell in the field of psychology and this site really
enlightened me about the various branches of the subject. Thanks a lot.
Mar 17, 2009 1:10 PM
Guest :
i am a future psychologist. I had no idea there were so many
different types of psychology. Thank you
Mar 19, 2009 1:24 PM
Guest :
Im 13 and im interested in becoming a psychogist thanks for the information
Jun 9, 2009 10:28 PM
Guest :
Im 17 and its getting close to that time to choose my choice of carreer.
I've always wanted to study this but never eally knew much of this subject.
Finally I find a site that has helped me with my diccesion and has made it
much clearly. Thanks <3
Jun 25, 2009 11:21 AM
Guest :
This website was terrific!!! I had no idea that there were so many types of
psychologists. I am currently in school for psychology and now after seeing
that I have so many choices I can't decide which area I want to go into.
But i think I have narrowed it down to 3! So thank you very much!!!!
Jul 6, 2009 7:58 PM
Guest :
great!!!! i still have to narrow it down from my 4 now :D
Jul 26, 2009 12:42 AM
Guest :
This was a great site, as i am doing a psychology assignment at school, it
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good. Thanks for a great website :)
Aug 9, 2009 12:28 PM
Guest :
im 13 and i love this like it really helped to understand it more
Aug 10, 2009 5:36 PM
Guest :
omg thanks you so much for this website! i had no idea that there
where this many different types of psychology to choose from.im going to be
a freshman this year and im just really happy that now i know what i want
to do.
Aug 17, 2009 2:51 PM
Guest :
Very nice site. This helps people that want to become psychologists in the
future and helps them decide what type of psychology field they will be
studying. When I graduate from High School in a few years, I'll be working
hard to either become a social psychologist, school psychologist, or
counseling psychologist. Thanks!
Aug 18, 2009 7:50 AM
Guest :
hi im a 16 year old girl/young lady who is really passionate about being a
pyscologist.thanx for your information that you are supplying its really
helpful keep up the good work.
Aug 18, 2009 7:59 PM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
Thank you, I appreciate your comments, and I'm glad this article was
helpful!
Aug 30, 2009 8:31 PM
Guest :
I have been searching for hours for a list like this. I am trying to decide
what I want to do and I like psychology so I have been looking and found
nothing. Now that I found this I have a better idea of what I can do with a
psychology interest, college, and the rest of my high school year. I am
only in 9th grade thank you web site creator!
Sep 1, 2009 6:58 PM
Guest :
This made me feel better about choosing being a Psychologist as my career.
:]
Sep 25, 2009 5:35 AM
Guest :
Hope before anyone begins their journey into psychology they seriously
study Sigmund Feud's Interpretation of dreams... Its about time we, in the
psychology movement, really stop labeling Feud with such stigma. If you
want to be a psychologist I hope that you severally introspectively attack
your character - because almost all of my contemporaries think they know it
all when they have never truely analyzed themselves. Its sad, and it doesnt
take a brain scientist to judge others and THINK your right.
