Psychology is a scientific discipline that studies the mind, brain, and behaviour and significantly impacts daily life. The field investigates cognitive, behavioural, and emotional functioning concerning biology, society, environment, and physiology. The knowledge gained from these investigations allows for improvements in human capabilities beyond just mental health.

Psychology is often misunderstood and viewed as mysterious or mystical. People commonly think psychology is about reading minds and manipulating people, which is only relevant to mental health or behavioural issues. Additionally, psychology is not a popular career choice, as it does not provide clear career paths like other disciplines, such as medicine or engineering. As a result, psychology is sometimes misperceived as a less substantial field of study.

Despite these misconceptions, psychology is crucial in understanding human functioning, as much of human functioning involves cognitive processes moderated by emotions resulting in behaviour. Ignoring these factors would reduce the understanding of other disciplines, such as politics, education, and business.

Psychology graduates are uniquely equipped to add value to a wide range of industries due to the transferable skills they acquire during their studies. Psychology students learn about the many factors contributing to human functioning, growth, and performance. They also have a unique skill set in psychological testing and measurement, as they learn how to develop psychometric tools to measure cognitive, emotional, and behavioural performance. Psychology graduates are also trained to continue scientific research and use critical thinking and statistical analysis in decision-making processes.

Additionally, psychology graduates can apply behavioural principles to analyse behaviour patterns in individuals and groups. They also understand social psychology theories related to persuasion and social influence, which is essential in leadership development. These strengths make psychology graduates valuable to any organization looking to improve attitudes and behaviours.

For students considering a psychology degree, it is crucial to understand that psychology is not just about mental health and mental illness. It covers various topics, including information processing, thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, and managing emotions. Psychology is challenging, as it involves a lot of science and math. It is also not just a general subject, as it plays a crucial role in adapting and surviving, and improving attitudes and behaviours toward a better quality of life.

In conclusion, psychology is a holistic discipline that studies all aspects of emotional, behavioural, and mental functioning in our internal and external environments. It is not just about mental health, but it is also crucial for the overall health of our planet as it provides evidence-based learning toward improving attitudes and behaviours toward sustainable development goals.

Prof Dr. Alvin Ng Lai Oon
School of Medical and Life Sciences
Email: @email

This article was first published in Business Today on 26 February 2022.