What is Psychology?

Psychology is all about studying how we think, feel and act. It’s not just about what’s going on in our minds. It’s about how our bodies react, how we respond emotionally, and how we behave, as both social and biological beings. Psychology researchers look into why we see things the way we do, why we think certain thoughts, why our feelings can change, and why we act differently in different places and with different people. They use scientific and other methods to understand these phenomena. They don’t just guess; they do careful observations, studies, and research. This careful inquiry helps us understand ourselves and others better, no matter where we are or who we’re with. Psychologists may be professionally trained and licensed therapists, qualified to diagnose and treat individuals experiencing neurological, behavioural, or psychological challenges. Other psychologists may work in research and education.

In the late 1800s, before the formal establishment of psychology as a distinct academic discipline, the exploration of the mind and human behaviour was deeply rooted in ancient wisdom traditions and Indigenous knowledge systems. These early foundations of psychological thought, spanning various cultures and continents, provided rich insights into the human condition.

In Asia, for instance, the teachings of Buddhism and Hinduism offered profound psychological insights thousands of years ago. Buddhist philosophy, with its focus on the mind and meditation, delved into concepts of mindfulness and the nature of suffering and happiness. Similarly, Hindu texts like the Bhagavad Gita explored the self, consciousness, and the interaction of emotions and duty.

Indigenous North American cultures also held sophisticated understandings of psychology. For example, many tribes viewed mental health as a balance between the individual, their community, and the natural world. Healing practices often involved community rituals, storytelling, and a deep connection with nature, reflecting a holistic approach to mental well-being.

Ancient civilizations, such as those in Greece and Egypt, also contributed to early psychological thought. Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle pondered questions of the mind, sensation, and perception, laying early groundwork for psychological inquiry. In Egypt, the concept of the soul and its journey after death, as depicted in the Book of the Dead, reflects an early form of psychological exploration.

These ancient and Indigenous perspectives on mind and behaviour were integral to the development of modern psychology. They underscore the diverse roots of psychological thought and highlight the importance of considering a wide range of cultural and historical perspectives in understanding the human mind and behaviour.

Modern psychology’s journey to becoming a recognised academic discipline is a unique story. Before the late 1800s, the exploration of the mind was primarily a job for philosophers. They pondered questions about human thought, emotion, and behaviour, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become psychology.

As scientific methods began to evolve and the study of human behaviour became more systematic, psychology began to emerge as its own discipline. Today, we see psychology as a fundamental science, on par with fields like medicine, physics, and mathematics.

At its core, psychology delves into behaviours that have biological roots, aligning it with natural sciences such as biology. This connection highlights the concept that our behaviours are deeply intertwined with our biological makeup. Psychology, however, extends beyond just the biological aspect. It also encompasses the social dimension of human existence. Our behaviours are significantly shaped by our interactions with others, situating psychology firmly within the realm of social sciences as well.

This blended biological and social nature of psychology sets it apart from disciplines like literature, history, and sociology. Psychology uses naturalistic observation, rigorous scientific methods, including experimentation, and analysis, to understand the complexities of the human mind and behaviour. Modern psychology is a unique and vital science, bridging the biological and social aspects of human life.