Role of a Psychologist in Society

Psychologists contribute to the well-being of society by helping people understand their emotions and behaviors and managing them to lead a better life. The contribution of a psychologist is present at every stage of human life, from babyhood to old age. From enabling children to perform better at school to empowering adults to cope with relationships and life events, a psychologist's role in society is invaluable.

Psychologists study human traits, behaviors and emotions, and then analyze these factors. They also observe the influence of cultural beliefs, environments and situations on human actions, including relationships and social interactions. Psychologists employ several techniques, such as hypnosis, clinical observations and subject interviews, for their studies. These studies help them understand the different personalities and behavioral aspects of people, and this understanding can help improve interactions between different people, cultures and countries to promote better relations. Psychologists also study behaviors and mental developments of human beings at all stages of life, from infancy to old age. Such studies help healthcare providers diagnose and treat harmful behaviors, such as smoking, drug addictions and alcohol abuse. These studies also help manage or even delay disabilities resulting from aging.

Psychologists diagnose mental health disorders and develop treatment plans for patients. They also provide emotional support for patients fighting terminal medical conditions and educate patients, as well as family members, in various coping techniques to make life tolerable for both. Psychologists use different techniques, including counseling and behavior therapy, to help patients and loved ones. They also conduct studies and research to understand mental conditions and terminal illnesses and to discover techniques for managing them better.

Psychologists in school settings work with students to understand their learning and behavioral problems. They work in association with the school management, staff and parents to create solutions that address different learning needs of students, including that of gifted children and children with disabilities. In addition, they assist school administration in developing effective study and behavioral strategies for overall student development. In work settings, psychologists study and assess workplace conditions and recommend changes that can increase productivity; they also help management hire the right kind of staff and work with employees to cope with workplace stress. Psychologists also help people lead a richer life by helping them manage relationship problems and overcome emotional problems or past hurts.

In legal settings, psychologists assist law enforcers by providing insight into the psychological aspect of civil and criminal cases. They investigate child abuse allegations, conduct mental capacity assessments of witnesses, and provide essential assistance in cases that involve child witnesses. Psychologists also provide counseling and other psychiatric help for crime victims.