INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

PAUL MWOVE

FACULTY

COLLAGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

School of Nursing Sciences (SONS)
JKUAT
 OUTLINE

1. Introduction and definition of terms

commonly used in Psychology.

1. Difference between psychologist and psychiatrist.

2. Approaches in the study of psychology.
3. Branches or sub fields of psychology.
Introduction

▪ Psychology is the scientific study of mind and human behavior.

▪ The word “psychology” comes from the Greek words “psyche,”
meaning life, and “logos,” meaning explanation.
▪ Application of Psychology forms part of our everyday lives:-
-In the public media.
-Our daily conversations
-Daily challenges and struggles
-Family conflicts,etc.
What Does a Psychologist Do?
Psychologists focus on:-
▪ Understanding mental processes, human behavior, thoughts, and
emotions.
▪ They use various therapeutic approaches to promote mental
health and well-being eg psychotherapy.
▪ Assess and diagnose psychological disorders.
▪ Conduct psychotherapy and counselling sessions to help
individuals overcome challenges and develop coping strategies.
▪ Perform psychological assessments to evaluate cognitive
abilities, personality traits, and emotional functioning.
▪ Conduct research to contribute to the advancement of
psychological knowledge.
DEFINITION OF BASIC TERMS
1.PSYCHOLOGY
2.PSYCHIATRY
3.BRAIN
4.HUMAN MIND
5.PSYCHOTHERAPY.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
PSYCHOLOGIST AND PSYCHIATRIST.
Who is a Psychiatrist?
▪ A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in the diagnosis,
treatment, and management of mental illnesses.
▪ Psychiatrists approach mental health from a medical perspective,
combining therapy with medication when necessary.
▪ Analytical reasoning and critical thinking skills are essential for
Psychiatrists as they will often need to develop effective treatment
plans for patients encountering a variety of challenges.
What Does a Psychiatrist Do?

▪ Diagnose mental disorders by conducting thorough psychiatric

evaluations.
▪ Prescribe medication to address biological and chemical imbalances
in the brain.
▪ Provide therapy and counselling, often in conjunction with
medication management.
▪ Collaborate with psychologists, therapists, and other healthcare
professionals to offer comprehensive treatment.
i):-.CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST.
ii):-.Counselling.
iii):-Health Psychology?
What is Health Psychology?
▪ The scientific study of how psychological factors relate to the
promotion and maintenance of health, and causation, prevention,
and treatment of physical illnesses, as well as how people respond
when they do get ill (Taylor, 1999)
▪ Study of how Psychological factors e.g..
-behaviors,emotions, beliefs,
-attitudes,personality, and stress etc
Relate to promotion and maintenance of health.
iv):-Industrial psychology.
Educational psychology.
APPROACHES/PERSPECTIVES IN
STUDY OF PSYCHOLOGY
 END

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