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SPVV 101

A DEFINITION OF THE FIELD OF PSYCHOLOGY

A comprehensive definition of psychology typically includes references to the following
five aspects:
a. Psychology is a science and therefore relies on the scientific method when searching
for answers to psychological questions.
b. Psychology seeks answers to the fundamental question: What is human nature?
c. Psychology answers this question by looking at processes that occur within
individuals as well as the forces that arise within the physical and social
environment. Behavioural processes focuses on the means by which organisms
adjust to their environment (that is, how we function, what we do, how we go about
doing it within a given behavioural setting and social context. Mental processes refer
to private, internal events, such as thinking, planning, reasoning, creating, and
dreaming.
d. Psychology has developed into a very broad discipline. Due to its remarkable
breadth and depth, psychology occupies a unique position among the different
scientific disciplines. Psychology’s extensive scope contributes to its appeal, but
also adds to the difficulty we experience when we try to categorise psychology or
determine its unique position among other scientific disciplines. Modern psychology
seems to meet the requirements of a range of scientific categories.
 Firstly psychology is regarded as a social science. As such, psychology uses
the insights of other social scientists, such as economics, political science,
sociology, and cultural anthropology.
 Secondly, psychology is regarded as a behavioural science. As such,
psychology systematically analyses behaviour along with its causes and
consequences.
 Thirdly, psychology shares many interests with researchers in the biological
sciences, especially with those who study brain processes and the
biochemical bases of behaviour.
 Fourthly, psychology is also part of the emerging area of cognitive sciences.
As a cognitive science, psychology answers to questions about how the
mind works.
 Fifthly, psychology holds a prominent position among the health sciences.
As such, psychology seeks to improve the quality of individual and collective
well-being. (NB at NMMU Psychology resides in the Faculty of Health Sciences,
hence rubbing shoulders with Pharmacy, Social Development Professions,
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Nursing, Sports Science/Biokinetics, Dietetics, Radiography and Biomedical
Technology )
 Lastly, psychology also has ties with philosophy and areas in the humanities
and the arts (such as literature, drama, and religion).
e. Psychology focuses largely on the experiences of individuals (whereas sociology
focuses on the behaviour of people in groups or institutions, and anthropology focus
on the broader context of different cultures)

THE GOALS OF PSYCHOLOGY

Psychologists’ attempts to describe, understand (or explain), predict, and achieve

some measure of control over what they study. These goals form the basis of the
psychological enterprise. It is, however, also important to keep in mind that a large group
of psychologists (e.g., clinical, counselling, educational, as well as industrial/organisational
psychologists) invest a lot of time and energy to improve the quality of human life.

THE MAJOR SUBDIVISIONS OF THE FIELD OF PSYCHOLOGY

Psychology has developed into a very broad and diverse discipline. This diversity means
that there is room in the field for people with many different interest, qualities, and
aptitudes. For example, if an individual enjoys mathematics and working with computers,
they would probably find the module on Psychological evaluation and assessment (that is,
the specialised branch of psychology dealing with the development and administration of
psychological measures) extremely interesting. If, on the other hand, an individual is
interpersonally sensitive, they may rather be drawn to working with workers who have
emotional problems. Many similar choices and possibilities exist.

Following are brief summaries (in alphabetical order) of some of the major areas to which
South African psychology students are usually exposed. Please keep in mind that in South
Africa these areas represent subdivisions of the discipline of psychology and not
registration categories. This mean that it would be technically incorrect for a South African
psychologist to, for example, call him/herself a developmental or sport psychologist. There
are presently seven registration categories for psychologists working in South Africa (i.e.,
clinical-, counselling-, educational-, forensic-, industrial/organisational-, neuro- and research
psychologist). These registration categories are used to identify psychologists.

Abnormal psychology, or psychopathology

The branch of psychology concerned with the investigation of psychological disorders and
other abnormal psychological phenomena. Psychologists with an interest in abnormal
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psychology investigate the nature, incidence, causes, treatment, and prevention of
psychological disorders.

Career psychology
Focuses on a range of issues, including vocational guidance, work-related problems (for
example unemployment, underemployment, job dissatisfaction, re-entry for women in the
workplace and workaholism), individuals’ participation in different life roles (for example,
student, worker, spouse, and parent), as well as phenomena such as work values, career
maturity, and career development.

Cognitive psychology
The branch of psychology that includes the study of processes involved in sensing,
perceiving, remembering, forgetting, thinking, decision-making, reasoning, and problem-
solving. Psychologists with an interest in cognitive psychology investigate, for example,
how information is presented and processed in the mind.

Community psychology
Seek to understand the factors that contribute to normal and abnormal behaviour in
natural settings (such as the home, neighbourhood, and workplace). Psychologists with an
interest in community psychology typically concentrate their efforts on groups of people or
communities and work to promote health and prevent disorder.

Developmental psychology
Focuses on human development across the life span, from the prenatal period to old age.
Psychologists with an interest in developmental psychology investigate age-related
changes in behaviour as well as stages of physical, emotional, cognitive, social or moral
development.

Environmental psychology
Focuses on the relations between psychological processes and physical environment.
These environments range from homes and offices to urban areas and regions.
Psychologists with an interest in environmental psychology investigate, for example,
people’s attitudes toward different environments or their sense of personal space.

Forensic psychology
The branch of psychology that applies psychological knowledge to human problems in the
field of law enforcement. Psychologists interested in forensic psychology work will either
find themselves assisting the police with an investigation (i.e., profiling of a suspect), act as
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witnesses in criminal and civil claims or assessing the validity and reliability of a colleagues
reports/testimony in a criminal or civil trial.

Health psychology
Is primarily concerned with psychology’s contribution to the promotion and the
maintenance of good health, as well as the prevention and treatment of illness.
Psychologists with an interest in health psychology design and conduct programmes to
help individuals stop smoking, lose weight, manage stress, cope with the consequences of
a stroke or heart attack, or lead balanced, healthy lifestyles.
Neuropsychology
Focuses on the biological basis of human behaviour, thoughts, and emotions. Psychologists
with an interest in neuropsychology focus their studies on the brain and nervous system.
They also evaluate, diagnose and rehabilitate disorders related to the central nervous
system.

Pastoral psychology
The branch of psychology that focuses on the spiritual and religious aspects of individuals’
lives. Psychologists with an interest in pastoral psychology offer guidance and counselling
to individuals relating to, for example, faith, grief, suffering, and doubt.

Personality psychology
Focuses on the complex set of unique psychological qualities that influence an individual’s
characteristic patterns of behaviour across different situations and over time. Investigators
in the field of personality psychology seek to discover how individuals differ. In addition,
they study the extent to which personality traits and behaviour patterns are consistent, and
thus predictable, from one situation to another.

Psychological counselling
The branch of psychology that focuses on individuals-, group-, couple-, or family
interventions designed to change behaviour, thinking, feelings, or relationships.
Psychologists with an interest in counselling or psychotherapy typically provide guidance in
areas such as mood and adjustment disorders. They are familiar with a range of therapies
that can help individuals restore well-being and personal control.

Psychological evaluation and assessment

The branch of psychology that uses specified procedures to evaluate the abilities,
behaviours, and personal qualities of people. Psychologists with an interest in psychological
evaluation and assessment spend much of their time constructing, evaluating,
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administering, and interpreting psychological measures that indicate how individuals are
similar or different to others on a given psychological dimension.

Social psychology
The area of psychology that investigates the ways in which individuals affect each other.
Psychologists with an interest in social psychology try to understand behaviour within its
social context. They study the ways in which thoughts, feelings, perceptions, motives, and
behaviour are influenced by interactions and transactions between people.

Sport psychology
Investigates psychological phenomena that are related to participation in physical exercise
and sport. These phenomena include group or team dynamics, pre-competition arousal,
attention, aggression, motivation, dealing with injuries, and the so-called “mental edge”.
Psychologists with an interest in sport psychology typically analyse the performance of
athletes and use motivational, cognitive, and behavioural principles to help them achieve
peak performance levels.

THE DIFFERENT REGISTRATION CATEGORIES FOR PSYCHOLOGISTS WORKING IN

SOUTH AFRICA
All South African psychologists are registered in one of five registration categories.
Although some psychologists are registered in more than one category, this seems to be
the exception, rather than the rule. Registration in a particular category indicates that a
psychologist completed at least a Masters degree in psychology (M.A., M.Comm., M.Ed.,
M.Soc.Sc., or M.Sc) and a one-year internship. Let us take a closer look at the five
registration categories available to South African psychologists.

Clinical Psychologists
Traditionally, clinical psychologists were primarily interested in the diagnosis, cause, and
treatment of psychological disorders. However, many clinical psychologists currently assess
and treat individuals with a wide range of psychological problems. These problems may
range from normal psychological crises related to growth and development to extreme
conditions such as schizophrenia. Clinical psychologists are found working in diverse
settings, ranging from private practice, academic institutions, health care settings (such as
psychiatric or general hospitals), and community mental health clinics. Many clinical
psychologists focus their interests on special populations, such as children or adults.
Others prefer to focus on treating certain types of problems, such as eating disorders,
mood disorders, anxiety-based disorders, or marital and family problems.
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Counselling psychologists
Counselling Psychologists are concerned primarily with so-called “normal” problems of
adjustment that most individuals face at some point, such as choosing a career or coping
with marital problems. Counselling psychologists have traditionally focused on fostering
and improving normal human functioning across the life span by helping individuals solve
problems, make decisions, and cope with the stresses of everyday life. They have also
been involved in life-skills training (or psycho-education) where they develop, implement
and assess the effectiveness of a wide range of training programmes, focusing on issues
such as assertiveness, self-concept development, developmental transitions and study or
relationship skills, and community psychology where they work with groups to promote
health and to prevent the development of psychological problems. However, in current
times the scope of the counselling psychologist has broadened and they are now allowed to
work with the diagnosis, cause, and treatment of psychological disorders as well. They are
found working in a range of settings, such as private practice, academic settings,
community mental health centres, as well as business and government departments.

Educational psychologists
Possess both psychological expertise and thorough knowledge of psychological principles,
processes, and systems to optimise human functioning in learning and development. They
identify and diagnose pathology in relation to learning and development, and help
educators and others to promote the intellectual, social, and emotional development of
learners. Educational psychologists are also involved in creating environments that
facilitate learning and psychological health. They may evaluate and plan programmes for
children with special needs or deal with less severe problems, such as disruptive behaviour
in the classroom. Educational psychologists also engage in programme development and
staff consultation to prevent problems. They may provide on-the-job-training for teachers in
classroom management, consult with parents on ways to support a learner’s efforts at
school, and consult with school administrators on a variety of psychological and
educational issues. Most educational psychologists work in educational settings (such as
universities, technikons, schools), educational support centres, but they may also be found
in private practice.

Forensic Psychologist
Forensic psychologists conduct psychological assessments, diagnosis ad interventions
within forensic settings. They provide expert evidence/opinion to the legal system. Forensic
psychology is a new category in South Africa, and was promulgated by government during
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the course of 2013. Forensic psychologists will predominantly be found in legal and
academic settings, prison systems and private practice.

Industrial/organisational psychologists
Are concerned with the relation between people and work. Their areas of expertise include
organisational structure and change, productivity, job satisfaction, consumer behaviour,
selection, placement, training and development of personnel, as well as the interaction
between humans and machines. Industrial/organisational psychologists work in business
and industry. A large number are also self-employed as consultants or work for
management consulting firms.

Neuro Psychologist
Neuro Psychologists assess, diagnose and intervene in psychological disorders of people
experiencing neuropathology or compromised central nervous system functioning. They
help to treat and rehabilitate individuals, to in the process differentiate their conditions
from other psychological and non-neurological disorders. Neuro Psychology is a new
category in South Africa, and was promulgated by government during the course of 2013.
Neuro psychologists will predominantly be found in medical and academic settings and
private practice.

Research psychologists
Are involved in the empirical investigation of psychological phenomena. Their activities
cover an enormously broad range of interests in both human and animal behaviour. They
conduct research on and often teach about a variety of basic mental and behavioural
processes. Many of the basic psychological principles presented in the textbook and study
guide have been formulated in the laboratories of research psychologists. Most research
psychologists work in academic settings where they teach and supervise students’
research in addition to conducting their own research programmes. Research
psychologists are also employed by research institutions, business, industry, and
government departments.

PSYCHIATRY, PSYCHOLOGY AND SOCIAL WORK

Psychologists often work in multi-disciplinary teams alongside social workers, psychiatric
nursing staff, psychiatrists and psychoanalysts. Each professional group possesses various
professional competencies and specialised skills. Some of the skills and competencies
overlap, but they also have distinctive components. The team concept recognises the
responsibility of professionals to provide relevant services within their respective areas of
competence. The effectiveness of multi-disciplinary teams depends on individual team
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members’ understanding of their own roles as well as the roles of their colleagues
representing other disciplines. This understanding facilitates cooperation and
communication between mental health specialities and also enables team members to
inform their clients, who are often confused about the specific roles and expertise of their
different members of the multi-disciplinary teams.

The questions that are asked most often are: “What is the difference between a
psychologist and a psychiatrist?” The simplest way to grasp the important differences
between psychologists and psychiatrists is to keep in mind that psychiatrists are
medical specialists (while psychologists have no medical training). This means that
psychiatrists completed their basic medical training (a 6-year training programme) and
thereafter specialised in the field of psychiatry (a 4-year residency training programme).
Due to the differences in training, psychiatrists tend to conceptualise abnormal behaviour
and its treatment in medical terms, while psychologists conceptualise abnormal behaviour
in behavioural terms.

The medical background and training of psychiatrists also allow them to prescribe
medication. The treatment programme psychiatrists formulate for their patients may
include a combination of interventions, for example, medication, psychotherapy, and a
series of electro-convulsive treatments (shock treatments).

Psychologists and social workers both offer treatment to individuals, couples, families,
and groups. Both groups often focus on the same problems, such as social adjustment, or
decisions about custody of minor children. However, there are a few important distinctions
between the two professions. The most important of these is that social workers have
particular expertise in the analysis of social environments and systems. This enable them
to provide specialist services that assist the adjustment of individuals in both family and
community settings.