The Diverse Nature of Psychology

The Diverse Nature of Psychology

The diverse nature of psychology continues to expand; applying the fundamental perspectives and concepts to gain a deeper understanding of the human experience. The major concepts in psychology (behavior, motivation, and cognition) can be found in nearly every subdivision. The diversity of subdisciplines have grown to more than 50 divisions of psychology over the past century and include such disciplines as family psychology, trauma psychology, behavior analysis, and the study of lesbian, gay, and bisexual issues (APA, 2013). The diverse nature of psychology is important for continued growth and development of knowledge surrounding the human experience.

The Influence of Diversity

The diversity of what motivates people, their behaviors, and the level of cognition leads to a variety of subdisciplines within psychology. Each subdiscipline focuses on a different aspect of human behavior; social, environment, cognition, and perception. “The emergence of specialties within a discipline is a healthy sign – it reflects an expansion of knowledge” (APA, 2013, para. 2). Every experience is different with unique associations that are only known to that individual. The combination of the psychodynamic approach and family systems approach can provide a specialized focus on a particular topic. The vast amount of disciplines can be directly related to the experiences of behavior as a result of a situation that influenced his or her life. Family psychology and behavior analysis are two subdisciplines of psychology. These disciplines can be used with other disciplines in psychology. The best approach is to use a combination of disciplines to best assist the individual.

Subdisciplines and SubTopics

Family psychology. Family psychology focuses on the study of family interactions, using multiple perspectives and methods to “advance the knowledge related to family research, patterns, and processes” (APA, 2013, para. 1). Family psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on the behavior, emotions, and thoughts of families, couples, and individuals in relationships as well as “the broader environment in which they function” (Division 43, n.d., para. 1). Family psychologists conduct research to understand the influencing factors, such as social, cultural, and biological influences, of behavior. Applying the family systems approach to other disciplines such as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender issues and trauma psychology is a common practice. The cause of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals is often attributed to biological influences. However, some experiences may influence sexual orientation.

Behavioral analysis. Behavioral analysis has quickly grown over the last 50 years, resulting in substantial growth in treatments for a variety of disorders once considered untreatable, including autism and substance abuse (APA, 2013). Although the methods differ for different practitioners, the theories have influenced the continued development of treatment options. “Specialty practitioners focus on the identification of maladaptive behaviors and cognitions and seek to ameliorate presenting problems through behavioral and cognitive interventions” (Dowd, Clen, & Arnold, 2010, p. 89). Behavior analysts seek answers with the use of environmental and biological factors. Behavioral analysts look into the family systems to determine what may have caused the behavior. Behavioral analysts use the cognitive-behavioral perspective and theories of motivation to understand behavior (Forensic Psychology, 2013).

Application of Disciplines in Contemporary Society

To apply the disciplines effectively in a contemporary society the psychologist must be skilled in the diversity of many facets of psychology; development, family systems, motivations, practices, cultural understanding as well as other disciplines. There is a connection within psychology that includes the study of diverse motivations, practices, values, morals, and perspectives. Limiting the focus to one discipline inherently can limit the scope of the issue (Breckler, 2005). Thus, the psychodynamic theory can provide insight into the troubling issues from a variety of disciplines. “The psychodynamic approach includes all the theories in psychology that see human functioning based upon the interaction of drives and forces within the person, particularly the unconscious” (McLeod, 2007, para. 4).

Psychological Contribution to Society

Individuals, couples, and families struggling with issues related to behavior, motivation, and cognition, could benefit from the use of the family systems approach and behavior analysis. Many psychologists work with families that experience trauma, mental illness, or other issues such as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender issues. Trauma experienced in childhood contributes to adult behavior, motivations, and level of cognition. Many adults do not realize the effects childhood trauma can cause for the future of the adult child. Individuals struggling with issues in adulthood often find an association to childhood trauma or dysfunction in the family system. Psychology professionals analyze behavior to determine how the environment affects behavior as well as determining the best approach to improve emotional and behavioral wellbeing. Using the psychodynamic approach, the internal experience connects with observable behavior. What motivates one person will not necessarily motivate another; that is why it is important to use a variety of disciplines.

Breckler, S. (2005). The Importance of Disciplines. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/science/about/psa/2005/10/ed-column.aspx

Division 43. (n.d.). Society for Family Psychology. Retrieved from http://www.division43apa.org/what-is-family-psychology/

Dowd, T. E., Clen, S. L., and Arnold, K. D. (2010). The Specialty Practice of Cognitive and Behavioral Psychology. American Psychological Association Professional. Psychology: Research and Practice, 41(1), 89-95. doi: 10.1037/a0018321

Forensic Psychology. (2013). Guide to Behavior Analysis. Retrieved from http://www.forensicpsychology.net/resources/guide-to-behavior-analysis/

Kaslow, N. J. (2013). Journal of Family Psychology. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/fam/

Madden, G. J. (2013). APA Handbook of Behavior Analysis. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/pubs/books/4311509.aspx

McLeod, S. (2007). Psychology Perspectives. Retrieved from http://www.simplypsychology.org/perspective.html