Why do people do what they do? What triggers humans to develop specific thoughts, including those that can be considered crazy? Finding answers to these and more questions can be an uphill task unless you know a thing or two about psychology.
For almost a couple of centuries, humans have relied on psychology to explain different human behaviors and how their brains work. Here, we look at some cool facts about psychology itself as it continues to help us know each other better.
1. Wilhelm Maximilian Wundt is the Pioneer of Psychology
Most things and innovations that have helped shape the world have a founder/pioneer. For psychology, Wilhelm Maximilian takes most of the credit. The German scientist wrote and published the first psychology book in 1873. He was the first person to identify as a psychologist.
However, psychology would not be what it is today without the input of William James. While Wilhelm understood what psychology was all about, he had difficulty selling his “theory.”
James merged his knowledge of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution to create more awareness of how human behavior impacted the world. His perspective gained a global identity known as functionalism. It focused majorly on explaining how people’s mental activities help them, or not, fit in an environment.
2. There is a Dark Side to Psychology; Dark Psychology
Initially, psychology was meant to help people better understand themselves and their environment. The goal was to use the knowledge gained to adapt to their environment and possibly improve it. However, as time passed, malicious people learned to use psychology to advance their activities.
Dark psychology entails using manipulation, cruelty, and callousness to achieve certain goals that are mostly not good. People who use this technique are not afraid of exploiting the weaknesses of human psychology. Their goal is to get what they want, whatever it takes.
There can be a good side to dark psychology, though. For instance, police officers can use this technique to get information from a hardened criminal. Or, therapists can use the skill to help their patients overcome their fears and phobias.
3. Psychology Is a New Science
Before delving into why psychology is a new science, let’s first clarify that Psychology is science, not art or any other category that you may have seen debates about. Now that that is out of the way, it was not until the 19th century that psychology became a study, making it among the newest additions to science.
Some aspects of science, such as physiology, advanced as early as 420 BC. On the other hand, psychology only became a science in 1879, upon the foundation of Wundt’s Laboratory in Germany.
4. Psychology Has Its Rules
Like any other science discipline, psychology has its rules, and they are all over the internet and books. Some of the most common rules in the subject include:
- Learning that people do not necessarily care about you as much as you think.
- People are different
- Humans are constantly changing, including their behaviors
- You only have power over how you react
- The person you are advising might not listen to you
5. There is No Specific World Psychology Day
Being the newest science kid on the block, it appears people have not yet fully grasped psychology and all that it entails. This is clear, mainly because there are different days for celebrating psychologists.
For instance, according to DR. EL, May 27 should be the official psychology day. However, National Day Archives states National Psychologist Appreciation Day is July 14. From what we have gathered, there is no specific day for appreciating licensed psychologists, and anyone can do so anytime.
6. Parapsychology is One of the Most Challenging Psychology Topics
If you are a psychology student, you have probably encountered the parapsychology topic. Many consider it one of the most challenging, even though it seeks to explain some interesting phenomena. It involves studying nonquantifiable aspects, including telekinesis, mind reading, and extrasensory perception.
