SGPsychStud: Two Reasons Why Everyone Should Study Psychology

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"What?!! Everyone should study Psychology? Why?"
You might be thinking the above questions right?  Yes.  Everyone should study Psychology, or at least a few modules related to counselling.

In the last 10 years, there has been a large increase in the number of people studying psychology or being interested in psychology.  This may be due to an increased number of people who have achieved the first two levels of Maslow's hierarchy of needs (as below) and seeking the other top 3 levels.  This phenomenon could be due to an increase in their socioeconomic status, hence allowing them to achieve the first two levels easily.


However, why should everyone study psychology?  Here are the reasons:
  1. Gaining a new perspective
  2. Gaining better communication skills
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In arguments and conflicts, the root cause in miscommunication.  This has already been discussed in detail in this November 2015 post.  However, miscommunication can be greatly reduced if (a) everyone understands the other person's point of view or perspective and (b) have better communication skills.

Gaining a new perspective
As mentioned before in a previous 2011 post, studying the different modules in a psychology program allows a person to develop more rational and critical thinking.  This changes in thinking allows him/her to take up different perspectives and hypotheses when discussing different topics and/or issues.  With this psychology training, one may tend to look at the world and life a bit differently.

Gaining better communication skills
How do we gain better communication skills?  This skills are mostly developed in the counselling modules.  Benefits of these skills include better engagement with others, higher chances of convincing others, having better clarity in the communication, and developing stronger rapport and relationships with others.
As non-verbal communication accounts for 93% of our communication with others, it is important that we note our non-verbal communication during our dialogues.  The skills include active  and reflecting listening, as well as displaying empathic responses.

To learn more about active and reflecting, please visit: http://www.angelfire.com/nc/psalm91/skills.html
Recommended books:
Egan, G. (2013). The skilled helper: A problem-management and opportunity-development approach to helping (10th edn.). California, USA: Brooks/Cole
Ivey, A. E., Ivey M. B., & Zalaquett, C. P. (2013). Intentional interviewing and counseling: Facilitating client development in a multicultural society (8th edn.). California, USA: Brooks/Cole

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