What does psychology study as a discipline? This question is much broader than commonly thought. In summary, we will say that psychology is concerned with the study of the mind and behavior, or rather, functioning, modalities of understanding and interventions that have an effect on the mind and behavior.
Whoever delves into the study of psychology will realize how complex the discipline is: to the extent that it is possible to find unequivocal and quick answers to some questions, in others the complexity of explanation increases and is clearly related to the object of study. the investigation. It moves from the study of the perception of sensory stimuli and the neural correlations of cognitive processes, to the investigation of pathological family dynamics and social organizations, to the development of treatment interventions. In this Psychology-Online article we will see together what psychologists study and what professional tasks psychologists perform.
Training of a psychologist
To practice as a psychologist it is essential to complete the Degree in Psychology. This university degree, like most Spanish degrees, is organized into four academic years and 240 ECTS credits. Today, it presents a great training offer, both in person and remotely and online.
To access the Degree in Psychology in Spain, you must meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Be in possession of a Bachelor’s degree and have passed the University Access Assessment.
- Have a Higher Technician or Higher Technical Vocational Training degree.
- Have passed the University entrance test for those over 25 years of age.
- Meet the requirements for access to the University for those over 40 years of age.
- Have passed the University entrance test for those over 45 years of age.
- Be in possession of a university degree or equivalent.
Each access route has a percentage of places reserved and private universities can establish their own admission criteria, so it is important that you inform yourself in detail about the admission process.
What is studied in the psychology degree
Specialized studies in psychology aim to train a professional figure with specific skills depending on the different contexts in which they are called to work and aim to train professionals with high methodological qualifications, capable of identifying, developing and using cognitive instruments, the research and intervention methods of psychological sciences in the treatment of human and not only human problems.
The training objectives therefore take into account application strategies and therefore refer to a plurality of knowledge and competences. In detail:
- Models and methods (qualitative and quantitative), basic procedures (applied and/or interdisciplinary) on phenomena related to the areas of individual psychology, group psychology, couple and family psychology.
- Methods of prevention, diagnosis, habilitation-rehabilitation and psychological support for the reestablishment of adequate lifestyles; Knowledge includes areas and research methods of psychoanalytic, cognitive and behavioral, systemic psychology, etc. that have highlighted the representations of the self, intrapsychic processes and interpersonal relationships. In this article you will find the different ones.
- Cognitive and intervention instruments in detection, analysis, elaboration and reworking of intrapsychic and interpersonal dynamics, applicable to clinical intervention in problematic cases at the level of individuals, groups and organizations.
In short, therefore, the professional psychologist has specialized training in the use of help and care instruments, both in his own relationship with people and between people who interact with each other and people related to their direct contexts and /or their psychological representations.
What professional tasks do psychologists perform?
The psychologist is one who practices a legally recognized profession, is enrolled in a school and is obliged to respect a code of deontology. The psychologist (clinical, evolutionary, neuropsychologist, community, health, sports, etc.) is above all the representative of a specific (theoretical-technical) scientific knowledge, a scientist and at the same time a technician.
The psychologist’s skills are prevention, diagnosis, assistance, support, psychological intervention for help and care in the field of psychological and psychosocial discomfort of childhood, adolescence, adulthood, old age, family, couples, groups, organizations or institutions. As we see, it is a broad science that is divided into different specializations. Here you can find the different ones.
The areas in which the acquired skills can be exercised are: mental health structures (public and/or private), associations and institutions in charge of the protection of minors and adults, the field of psychological intervention on discomfort and the promotion of psychological and psychosocial development.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- Dell’Erba, G.L., Nuzzo, E. (2020). Clinical psychology arguments. Book Sprint Editions.
- Educaweb (2021). Degree in Psychology. Retrieved from: https://www.educaweb.com/estudio/titulacion-grado-psicologia/
- González, L. (2020). What do I have to study to be a psychologist? Recovered from: https://www.emagister.com/blog/que-tengo-que-estudiar-para-ser-psicologo/
- Mazzocco, K., Pravettoni, G. (2017). Psychology. Milan: 2017.
- Russo, D., Wanderlingh, E. (2008). Psychologist profession. Milan: Aplha-Test.