Popular psychology, mostly referred to as pop psychology or pop psych, refer to theories and concepts about human mental life and the performances that are majorly based on psychology and that gain popularity in the wider general population. These term ‘pop psychology’ can be used to explain consultants, teachers and entertainers who are basically known as being psychologists, not for the reason of academic achievements but because they have demonstrated that very image or have been treated in that manner in respect to their work.
Pop psychology can also refer to Popular Industry Psychology, a spreading network of daily sources of information pertaining human behavior (Bower, 1993).The term may also describe psychological knowledge which has been professionally produced ,referred to as effective and valid by experts and is intended to be applied by the wider public.
Psychology science refers to theories, education and application of science that connects the scientific study of mental operations, while pop psychology refers to psychological knowledge which has been professionally produced referred to as effective and valid by experts and is intended to be applied by the wider public. There are several similarities between these two branches of psychology as explained below;
- Comparing both branches of psychology, they both help in the development of positive relationship between persons and help in building and strengthening of relationships through understanding a persons self knowledge and accepting people the way they are.
- Both psychologies help in improvement of day to day communication amongst people. People will learn how to communicate effectively towards each other and also under stand one another language, actions and gestures. However, these two branches of psychology have very distinct features that make them different from one another.
- Psychology science helps build self confidence in that one will know and discover self, being, personality and weaknesses. The more one discovers his or her weaknesses the more he or she will be willing to have self improvement, while in pop psychology one will not be able to develop self confidence because what he or she advocates for might not be publicly accepted. Ones views and ideas might not be popular in public thus making one develop fear of being rejected publicly.
- Comparing both branches of psychology, they both help in the development of positive relationship between persons and help in building and strengthening of relationships through understanding a persons self knowledge and accepting people the way they are.
- Both psychologies help in improvement of day to day communication amongst people. People will learn how to communicate effectively towards each other and also under stand one another language, actions and gestures. However, these two branches of psychology have very distinct features that make them different from one another.
- Psychology science helps build self confidence in that one will know and discover self, being, personality and weaknesses. The more one discovers his or her weaknesses the more he or she will be willing to have self improvement, while in pop psychology one will not be able to develop self confidence because what he or she advocates for might not be publicly accepted. Ones views and ideas might not be popular in public thus making one develop fear of being rejected publicly human behavior. Specialization also led to contemplation by psychologist pertaining possible fragmentation about their field.
Koch (1985) claims that psychology has ‘rediscovered’ its intentions .The intentions were to have psychology that will affect the society positively. Areas which are currently growing mostly today in psychology are those which are addressing individual and society needs such as development, school and psychology of industrials organization. Activities which are service related have drastically grown. Industry has recognized the need of scientist thus becoming the leading employers of scientific personnel’s in the present society, Cleary indicating that the future of psychology is positive.
Development in infrastructure including communication, electronics method based on mathematics and image devices are influencing research in many of the subdivisions of psychology. Future of psychology will be positive if psychologist can gain from favorable politics, teach new scientist how to work collectively, make infrastructure accessible and widen the view of what psychology constitutes.
Psychology will impact my life in so many ways .For instance psychology will enable develop a positive relationship with other members of the society.
- Skills and knowledge which are acquired through psychology will help me learn norms and morals which are highly acceptable by the wider public.
- Leadership knowledge and skills developed from the study of psychology will encourage me advocate for the right leadership in the society. Psychology will give the power to appreciate other peoples self worth, self esteem thus encouraging love towards members of the society.
- Psychology will help me to understand myself better and also perceiving things from a positive point of view.
- Psychology will enable me discover a manner of handling things in my life, the way to face challenges and problems that occur unexpectedly. Also it will enable me to be effective in decision making.
References
Bower, G. H. (1993). The fragmentation of psychology. American Psychologist.
Bruner, J. PS., & Allport, G. W. (1940). Fifty years of change in American psychology. sychological Bulletin, 37, 757-776
