Introduction
Psychologists are involved in the study of social, emotional, and cognitive behavior and processes by observing, recording, and interpretation of how people relate not only to one another but also to their environments. In 2015, psychologists earned an average of $72, 580 per year. In 2014, psychologist’s job opportunities were projected to grow at 19% for the period 2014-2024. 19% is one of the fastest rates than the average. While some psychologists work independently, others conduct research, work with patients, and consult with their clients. Some of them work in collaboration with healthcare staff such as social workers or physicians as a healthcare team. In other settings such as schools, psychologists work with teachers, students, policy makers, and parents on various issues (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016).
Benefits of majoring in psychology
The decision to major in psychology come with some benefits. A degree in psychology is a gateway to many opportunities in life including being employed, venturing into clinical practice, and research (APA, 2016). These three fields have wide applications. One has a high chance of securing a job with if one decides to major in psychology. Employers are in need of people who are good in communication skills. Companies are always in search of people who are good in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data and who are also well-conversant with human behavior. A graduate who majored in psychology can be employed to work in either communication or human resources department. However, if a graduate major opt to further his/her studies, there are plenty of opportunities in research.
Psychologists are known to be good in data collection in both laboratory as well as non-laboratory settings, especially in circumstances involving complex social and individual issues. Their output is employed in helping people live better lives. Apart from research, a person who furthers education in psychology can end up in the field of clinical practice. Psychologists investigate ways of helping people cope with developmental and health challenges or related circumstances, investigate how groups best function, and also make people and technology to work harmoniously. Traditionally, psychologists used to be involved only in the treatment of people with emotional and mental problems. However, the roles of modern psychologists have expanded to include helping people to change their behaviors which have detrimental impacts on their physical health. For example, psychologists play a key role in working with athletes, business executives, and performers to reduce stress and improve their performance. Psychologists also advise lawyers when they are selecting a jury while they work with professionals in the education sector during the reforms. Following a disaster such as a plane crash or any other calamity involving grief, psychologists help bystanders and victims to recover from trauma. Psychologists also work hand in hand with public health officers and law enforcement agents to contain certain situations such as incidences of gun violence in the society (APA, 2016).
Health Psychology and School Psychology: Similarities and Differences
Health psychology
Health psychologists are involved with the study of how behavioral and psychological factors interact with both health and illness. Besides educating healthcare workers, health psychologists also educate patients on psychological issues. Health psychologists contribute a lot to the promotion of healthy living plans. Health psychologists help medical professionals to understand the emotional and mental effects of certain illnesses. It is not just about the effects of certain symptoms pertaining to their patients, but the overall effects on social, behavioral, and economic impacts such an illness might bring. Field research conducted by psychologists has been used to improve relationships between patients and their doctors. Health psychologies are also involved with investigations and development programs aimed at addressing commonly occurring health-associated behaviors such as sedentary, smoking, and poor diet behavior (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016).
Health psychologists play a key role in people’s health. Their services spread far and wide, including private practice, primary care and hospitals, corporations, universities, specialty practices, government agencies, pain management, oncology, smoking cessation, and rehabilitation. The relationship between mental health and physical health is well documented. Being experts on the intersection of behavior and health, health psychologists work together with other healthcare professionals to provide advanced integrated patient-care services such as whole-person healthcare or patient-centered system (APA, 2016). Besides offering direct services, health psychologists also conduct research to find out how illness and health are affected by behavior, relationships, biology, and other factors. Health psychologist is also involved in studies aimed at enabling people to recover from illnesses, allow people to stay healthy, or even cope with chronic medical conditions.
References
American Psychological Association (APA). (2016). Psychology as a Career. Retrieved from: http://www.apa.org/education/undergrad/psych-career.aspx
Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2016). Psychologists. Retrieved from: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm
