What is Psychology?
In its most reductionist form, Psychology is the study of the mind and behaviour.
But lets be honest, for those of us in the know, Psychology is so much more. Not least, it is a progressive and thriving scientific discipline committed to understanding what makes the human mind tick through research based on rigorous scientific methodology.
It was in ancient Greece that links between personality, behaviour and health were first being explored.
Renowned Greek philosopher Hippocrates (460–370 BC)
introduced the first written theory on links between personality, behaviour and
health known today, known as the theory of four temperaments.
He suggested that four bodily fluids (black bile, yellow bile, phlegm, and blood) directly influence and impact on a person's mind and behaviour which was contrary to traditional spiritual views that poor mental health was a result of 'evil spirits'.
Another Greek philosopher, Galen (129–200AD) built on Hippocrates' theory by suggesting that the four temperaments worked as pairs and suggested that people's personality types could be influenced by the balance or imbalance of each pair; Sanguine (being optimistic and social), Choleric (being short-tempered and irritable), Melancholic (being analytical and quiet), and Phlegmatic (being relaxed and peaceful).
Hippocrates (left) is known as the father of modern medicine. Galen (right) is considered one of the most influencial and accomplished phyicians during the antiquity period.
The forefathers of modern psychology. Clockwse from top-left: Charles Darwin, Wilhelm Wundt, Sigmund Freud and William James.
Modern psychology began its journey in the mid-late 1800s with Charles Darwin documenting his infant son's behaviours in 1877.
German physiologist, Wilhelm Wundt publised 'Principles of Physiological Psychology' in 1873 which outlined the connection between the science of phsiology and human thought and behaviour. He later went on to open the first psychological laboratory in 1879 at the university of Leipzig.
Americal psychologist, William James published the first
book in America about Psychology in 1890 which laid the foundations for functionalism and behaviorism. He was also instrumental in developing the Psychology department at Harvard University.
The
relationship between brain function, environment and behaviour is at the heart
of psychological study which can also reflect some of the core principles at
the heart of occupational therapy and occupational science.
While Occupational
therapists seek to promote physical and mental health and wellbeing through
'doing' things (occupations), psychologists seek to understand why humans do
specific things and how we can improve people's lives with that understanding.
Lets put it into some kind of metaphor....
It's like the psychologists are part of the car mechanics/engineering team. They know what's going on under the hood of the car, tell you what's wrong and can try and fix or adapt any issues that might arise
Occupational
therapists are like driving instructors - They know how to use the car and
teach people how to drive it forward. They also have some car maintenance
knowledge as well, like making sure the oil is topped up or the engine will
seize and measuring the tyre tread is deep enough to drive on the road without
it loosing grip.
Just like the differing approaches to types of vehicles or models of car (You wouldn't put diesel into a petrol engine... And then there's electric!) Psychologists also have different approaches to studying the science (I've tried to explain these approaches here).
Each approach lends a different perspective to understanding how people work psychologically. As Occupational therapists, these perspectives are useful because combined with occupational therapy models and theories we can take our understanding of human behaviour, including occupation, further.