Introduction
Applied psychology is a branch of psychology dealing with the application of psychological concepts in examining human behavior and implementing evidence-based solutions to alleviate issues human beings face in various walks of life. For example, contrary to experimental psychology, which focuses on research, applied psychology leverages this information to identify problems and offer solutions in real-life environments such as workplaces, business organizations, healthcare, political landscapes, and education systems. As a result, applied psychology relies on the firm background of research-based psychology to put information and concepts into practice. Hence, applied psychology plays an unparalleled role in human advancement because it helps individuals to avoid life’s hurdles.
Applied Psychology in Healthcare
Clinical psychology is the branch of applied psychology dealing with the application of research concepts in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental conditions. Clinical psychologists adopt several approaches and concepts from applied psychology to assess, diagnose, and treat medical conditions. As a result, they contribute to human beings’ healthy living by ensuring that they are in the right mindset to counter daily challenges. Generally, clinical psychologists may specialize in group psychology, family therapy, behavioral therapy, and psychoanalysis. As a result, they have several responsibilities in most healthcare settings including; clinics, hospitals, private corporations, and private medical practice (Paul et al., 2021). Similarly, most of them apply their skills in court to assess potential wrong-doers, and in the military to address personnel’s mental issues. Thus, applied psychology is crucial to the development of human beings as it helps deal with mental issues that can significantly interfere with an individual’s life quality.
Education
The modern educational system is highly complex because no proven learning instruction approach equally works for all students. As a result, educational psychologists focus on investigating learning solutions and applying the tenets of experimental psychology to understand the factors that impact students’ absorption and retention of information. On that account, educational psychology incorporates human developmental theories to determine how learning occurs. Therefore, educational psychologists can identify limiting factors in children at an early age and assist them in achieving educational and life goals (Paul et al., 2021). Most individuals with learning disabilities often suffer from manageable issues but lack the appropriate help to enhance their learning abilities. However, with the help of a certified educational psychologist with a wealth of knowledge in applied psychology, any individual can triumph over their disabilities and achieve satisfaction. Thus, applied psychology plays a principal role in the future of humans.
Applied Psychology in Industries and Organizations
Industrial or organizational psychology refers to the application of practical psychological concepts from specialties like motivation, social learning, and group behaviors in organizational settings and industries to achieve organizational goals and objectives. Institutional psychology emerged in the US during World War 1 and further developed after World War 2. During this era, efficiency was highly required, encouraging psychologists to develop effective personnel training solutions and improve managerial approaches to achieve higher job satisfaction levels, increase morale, and enhance job satisfaction (Rudolph et al., 2021). Similarly, industrial psychology played a crucial role in developing machinery that resonates with human factors in a field known as ergonomics. Consequently, it has led to the development of user-friendly automotive, computer keyboards, industrial controls, and other equipment that enhance human safety during use.
Applied Psychology Guides Policy-Making
The main purpose of government policies is to counter individuals’ social issues and improve their living standards. Similarly, government policies rest on the cognitive, social, and emotional attributes of the general public, meaning that they can readily accept and adhere to these policies or resist them. As a result, policy-makers leverage the knowledge of applied psychology by obtaining assistance from psychologists on the best way forward and information about how particular policies may affect the public (Wieser, 2018). Over the past years, behavioral economics has gained momentum in government policy and decision-making because of reliable information from psychological experts on addressing broad social problems like financial insecurity during old age and climate change. Many of these issues depend on the willingness of human beings to change their behaviors and work towards better outcomes. Therefore, applied psychology has provided an effective solution to guide government and public policy-making toward championing notable change in individuals and groups.
Applied Psychology Provides Learning and Career Opportunities
Applied psychology is a field that is largely explored by students, educators, researchers, managers, and scholars. Therefore, it provides unmatched learning opportunities, allowing individuals in managerial positions to familiarize themselves with the concepts of human behavior and the factors that affect positive contributions. Similarly, applied psychologists are in demand because all business and corporate organizations depend on human capital and the effective performance of their task force (Paul et al., 2021). Thus, students who complete their bachelor’s and master’s degrees can easily get jobs in various industries, earn a stable income, socialize with others in the process, and improve their living standards. Therefore, applied psychology has played a major role in helping individuals live a worthwhile life and achieve personal goals.
Conclusion
Applied psychology is a science that deals with human behavior and the constructs of reasoning, applied in almost all areas of human life. Therefore, the concepts of applied psychology are critical in advancing human development and ensuring that human beings reach their full potential. Applied psychology is crucial in healthcare, organizational settings, educational systems, and the formulation of government policies. Moreover, applied psychology provides an unmatched solution to learn, achieve career goals, and advance the human race. Therefore, it is critical to acknowledge the essence of applied psychology on the human race to encourage its exploration.
References
Grant, A. M., & Atad, O. I. (2021). Coaching psychology interventions vs. positive psychology interventions: The measurable benefits of a coaching relationship. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 1-13.
Paul, R. H., Salminen, L. E., Heaps, J., & Cohen, L. M. (2021). The Wiley Encyclopedia of Health Psychology.
Rudolph, C. W., Allan, B., Clark, M., Hertel, G., Hirschi, A., Kunze, F.,… & Zacher, H. (2021). Pandemics: Implications for research and practice in industrial and organizational psychology. Industrial and Organizational Psychology, 14(1-2), 1-35.
Wieser, M. (2018). Psychology in the “Ostmark”: Applied Psychology in times of war. ESHHS Groningen: Book of Abstracts/Ed. J. Eshuis. Netherlands: Open University of Netherlands. P, 19-20.