EFFECTS OF PSYCHOLOGY IN OUR DAILY ACTIVITIES.

PSYCHOLOGY.

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour in humans and non-humans. Psychology plays a fundamental role in shaping our daily activities and influencing our behaviour, thoughts, and emotions. It is the study of the human mind and behaviour, offering insights into how our cognitive processes, motivations, and emotions impact the way we engage with the world around us. "According to the American Psychological Association; it is the study of the mind, how it works, and how it affects behaviour."

Psychology also includes the study of conscious and unconscious phenomena, including feelings and thoughts. It is an academic discipline of immense scope, crossing the boundaries between the natural and social sciences. *

**The 5 Major Approaches in Psychology;

1. Biological. Biological perspective revolves around the view that all thoughts, feelings and behaviour have a biological cause. It studies brain and genetics. It believes that most of our behaviour is inherited and can be explained using neurological terms.
2. Psychodynamic. Psychodynamic approach starts with Sigmund Freud. His theory of psychoanalysis is one of the biggest steps in the field of psychology. This approach explains our behaviour through our childhood experiences. It looks back at our childhood to make sense of our actions in the present. It believes our choices are heavily influenced by our unconscious mind.
3. Behavioural. The main assumption of behavioural approach is that all behaviours are learned through interactions with the environment. When you think of people in laboratories wearing long white coats and observing rats, these are behavioural psychologists. They acknowledge emotions however they believe only behaviour can be objectively and scientifically measured.
4. Cognitive. Cognitive psychology is about knowing the processes that happen in our minds. It studies cognition, which are the processes through which knowledge is acquired. Memory, perception and attention are examples of these processes. Nowadays, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the most widely used approach to help people overcome challenges. This approach combines assumptions of cognitive and behavioural perspective. It states that our thoughts, feelings and behaviour are all connected.
5. Humanistic. Humanistic approach focuses on the view that each person is unique and has free will to change at any time in their life. It believes we are responsible for our own happiness. It emphasises how our perception of the world is subjective therefore it is an opposing approach to any scientific attempts to explain human behaviour.

***Branches of psychology.:

i. Neuropsychology . Neuropsychology looks at the structure and function of the brain in relation to behaviours and psychological processes. A neuropsychology may be involved if a condition involves lesions in the brain, and assessments that involve recording electrical activity in the brain. A neuropsychological evaluation is used to determine whether a person is likely to experience behavioural problems following suspected or diagnosed brain injury, such as a stroke. The results can enable a doctor to provide treatment that may help the individual achieve possible improvements in cognitive damage that has occurred.

ii. Forensics Psychology. Forensic psychology involves applying psychology to criminal investigation and the law. A forensic psychologist practices psychology as a science within the criminal justice system and civil courts. It involves assessing the psychological factors that might influence a case or behaviour and presenting the findings in court.

iii. Social Psychology. Social psychology uses scientific methods to understand how social influences impact human behavior. It seeks to explain how feelings, behaviour, and thoughts are influenced by the actual, imagined or implied presence of other people. A social psychologist looks at group behaviour, social perception, non-verbal behaviour, conformity, aggression, prejudice, and leadership. Social perception and social interaction are seen as key to understanding social behaviour.

iv. Developmental Psychology. This is the scientific study of systematic psychological changes that a person experiences over the life span, often referred to as human development. It focuses not only on infants and young children but also teenagers, adults, and older people. Factors include motor skills, problem solving, moral understanding, acquiring language, emotions, personality, self-concept, and identity formation. It also looks at innate mental structures against learning through experience, or how a person’s characteristics interact with environmental factors and how this impacts development. Developmental psychology overlaps with fields such as linguistics.

Other branches includes; clinical, cognitive, evolutionary, health, occupational, military, consumer, educational, cross-cultural, and environmental psychology. The number of branches continues to grow.

Psychological Effects.:

In this next part, we will explore how psychology affects our daily activities in various aspects of life.

• Decision Making:

Psychological factors significantly influence our decision-making processes. Cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias or anchoring bias, can distort our judgment and lead to suboptimal choices. Understanding these biases helps us make more informed decisions.

• Relationships and Social Interactions:

Psychology plays a crucial role in our relationships and social interactions. Our ability to empathize, understand others' perspectives, and communicate effectively are all influenced by psychological factors. Concepts like emotional intelligence and social cognition help us navigate social situations, form meaningful connections, and build healthy relationships.

• Work and Productivity:

Psychological factors impact our work and productivity levels. Motivation theories, such as Maslow's hierarchy of needs or expectancy theory, help us understand what drives us to perform better. Understanding our own motivations and those of others can enhance job satisfaction, increase productivity, and foster a positive work environment.

• Stress and Coping:

Psychology provides valuable insights into how we experience and cope with stress. The field of stress management helps us understand the physiological and psychological effects of stress on our well-being. Techniques such as mindfulness, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and relaxation techniques can help mitigate stress and improve our ability to cope with challenges.

• Health and Lifestyle:

Psychological factors influence our health-related behaviours and lifestyle choices. Health psychology examines how beliefs, attitudes, and social influences impact health-related decisions like exercise, diet, and adherence to medical treatments. It helps us understand the importance of mental well-being in maintaining overall physical health.

• Personal Development and Self-Improvement:

Psychology plays a vital role in personal development and self-improvement. It provides tools and strategies for self-reflection, self-awareness, and personal growth. Concepts like self-esteem, self-efficacy, and resilience guide us in developing a positive self-image and building emotional resilience.

• Emotional Well-being:

Psychology greatly influences our emotional well-being. The study of emotions helps us recognize and regulate our emotions effectively. Techniques such as cognitive restructuring and positive psychology interventions can enhance positive emotions, reduce negative emotions, and promote overall psychological well-being.

• Consumer Behaviour:

Psychological principles deeply impact consumer behaviour. Marketing and advertising industries employ psychological tactics to influence consumer choices. Understanding concepts like persuasion, motivation, and decision-making processes helps consumers make informed choices and resist manipulative tactics.

Conclusion.:

In conclusion, Psychology permeates every aspect of our daily activities, shaping our thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. By understanding psychological principles, we can gain insight into our own actions and those of others, leading to better decision-making, healthier relationships, increased productivity, and improved well-being. Psychology equips us with tools and strategies to navigate the complexities of life, promoting personal growth and enhancing our overall quality of life.

References;

*psychology

**the 5 major approaches in psychology

***Branches of psychology