Three benefits of majoring in psychology similarities and differences of

Three benefits of majoring in psychology: similarities and differences of

Gerontologist and health psychologists

PSY/305

Three benefits of majoring in psychology: similarities and differences of

Gerontologist and health psychologists

Since I have an avid interest in helping others, I am pursuing a career in the field of psychology. Exploring all my options and understanding the pros and cons of a psychology degree will help me to make an informed decision that is right for me. “A psychology major is one of the top 10 college majors, according to a report by the Princeton Review”. (Worldwide learn 2014). Earning a degree in psychology gives me important personal and professional benefits. A degree in psychology will provide me with stronger conflict resolution skills, help me to understand myself and others deep below the surface, and allow for me to go after certain careers that require an in-depth knowledge of psychology. “Psychologists study mental processes and human behavior, looking for patterns that will help them understand and predict that behavior.” (Worldwide learn 2014). Psychology degree programs prepare graduates with the skills and tools necessary to be successful in a plethora of career choices. First, I explored some of the best reasons to earn a psychology degree, including the opportunity to learn more about myself and others and the opportunity to research and study an amazing subject. Next, I explored some of the major factors I needed to know to decide what to focus on in my psychology degree.

Choosing a major is not an easy task to accomplish; this is a huge decision to make when choosing the correct degree. I had to explore all my options, reflect on my interests, and think about my future career plan. These explorations had an impact on my decision. Two of the best specializations within psychology I could choose for myself are gerontologists and health psychologist. Later, I will explore the similarities of the two specializations to further understand which is more ideal in relation to my career goals.

Developing stronger conflict resolution skills while earning my psychology degree will enable me to be more adept in resolving conflicts. Understanding how people respond to any given situation and the emotional process they that lead to their response, then I can be that much more effective in predicting an individual’s behavior. The best way to resolve a conflict with anyone whether in business or your personal life its done best by maintaining a level head and using logic to reason with them. When conflict is managed improperly, it can cause great harm to any relationship. However, when conflict is handled correctly with patience, understanding, and respect it provides a platform to build a bond between the parties involved. By learning conflict resolution skills I can keep my personal and professional relationships intact.

Understanding myself through the study of psychology by being introspective in regards to my emotions, ideas, why I may feel alone at times even when I truly am not. Even further gaining a great understanding of the principles in psychology will help me realize harsh truths about myself, alleviate painful memories, and to learn better ways of responding to unfavorable thoughts and emotions. One of best ways to get to know myself is through journaling my experiences from drinking coffee with a friend to swimming in the ocean alone with nature. Journaling helps me to connect to my innermost thoughts; my knowledge of myself as an individual being breaks down into self-awareness. Self-awareness is an on-going challenge for developing a foundation of which to build upon the self. Without self-observation it would be a much more difficult task in in understanding human nature.

Jobs for psychology majors are available in a diffuse of specialties. The skills I will gain with an education in psychology are generally required for most positions. Critical thinking and problem solving are vital skills for me as a psych major to have when searching for my career choice. “According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of psychologists, is expected to grow at a rate of about 12 percent through the year 2018. While this is considered average growth, the demand for psychological services in schools, hospitals, substance abuse treatment centers, and social services agencies is expected to fuel the demand for trained professionals.” (Cherry, 2014) The next paragraph discusses two prospective careers for psychologist, areas to specialize in, and jobs you can acquire in these fields of study.

The field of study, techniques and methodologies involved and the career prospects all differ for both Gerontologists and Health Psychologists. Gerontologists deal with the entire aging process whereas Health psychologists concentrates only on overcoming illnesses and to avoid health problems; both specialties are a multidisciplinary field of study. The former is a predictor of life expectancy of elderly whereas the latter helps to improve the chance of life expectancy of the population by emphasizing on their health conditions and providing them care and treatment plans.

Gerontologists assist the elderly clients in a wide range of settings, including senior centers, hospitals, and residential care centers. Usually, they work with other professionals: such as attorneys, physical or occupational therapists, dietitians, and counselors. Gerontologists generally work with patients and also their families. They rely on their research when investigating the process of aging in order to meet the needs of the elderly population. As my generation ages, gerontologists are expected to be in high demand. The downside is the earning salary of this specialty is not as high as other specializations are. “Typically, the field of gerontology falls under the broad area of social work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, social workers made a median salary of $42,480 in 2010.” (“Psychology Degree 411”, 2015).

A health psychologist priority is to help patients overcome illnesses and to avoid health problems in the future. “They can administer behavioral tests, provide education about healthy behavior, lead group therapy sessions, and run research studies.” (“Psychology Degree 411”, 2015). The specific type of work ta health psychologist does from day-to-day depends on the work environment. Most job opportunities in health psychology require a doctorate-level degree. They can work in a wide variety of settings including: oncology, pain management, hospitals, universities, and in the private sector. “According to the American Psychological Association (APA), licensed psychologists working within direct human services (of which health psychology comprises 13-percent) earned an average of $80,000 per year. Other estimates suggest that licensed health psychologists typically earn anywhere from $40,000 (entry-level) to $85,000 (advanced-level)” (Cherry, 2014).

‘Psychologists are predicted to be in high demand through 2020, with employment growing 22 percent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, that is faster than average for other professions (“Psychology Degree 411”, 2015).” Earning my doctorate in psychology increases the prospects I can have when choosing my career. Psychologists who work in the medical field are increasingly in demand, especially as increased awareness on preventative care is taking hold in the healthcare field. Like with any career, since I want to be successful in my ventures, it is imperative that I sharpen: my analytical skills, increase my observational skills, acquire excellent communication skills and the art of diffusing difficult situations and people, as well as it is important to be reliable, trustworthy, and patient.

References:

Cherry, K. (2014). 10 great reasons to earn a degree in psychology. Retrieved from http://psychology.about.com/od/psychologycareerprofiles/p/health-psychologist.htm

Cherry, K. (2014). What is a health psychologists?. Retrieved from http://psychology.about.com/od/psychologycareerprofiles/p/health-psychologist.htm

Psychology degree 411. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.psychologydegree411.com/careers

Worldwide learn. (2014). What is psychology?. Retrieved from http://www.emporia.edu/dotAsset/ebe09317-df05-4def-847a-091c5492531c.pdf