Ashya wants to focus on the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders and other problematic patterns of behavior. What area of psychology should she work in?
A) clinical psychology
B) cognitive psychology
C) counseling psychology
D) social psychology
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
A) Clinical psychology
Explanation:
Clinical psychology is the branch of psychology that focuses on diagnosing and treating psychological disorders, mental illnesses, and problematic behavioral patterns. If Ashya is interested in helping individuals with these issues, clinical psychology would be the most suitable field for her.
What Clinical Psychologists Do:
Clinical psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat individuals struggling with emotional, mental, and behavioral disorders. These disorders can include:
- Anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder)
- Mood disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder)
- Personality disorders (e.g., borderline personality disorder)
- Psychotic disorders (e.g., schizophrenia)
- Substance use disorders
- Trauma-related disorders (e.g., PTSD)
Clinical psychologists use various therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic approaches, to help individuals cope with their conditions. They often work in hospitals, private clinics, mental health centers, or research settings.
Why Not the Other Options?
- Cognitive Psychology: This field focuses on studying mental processes like memory, perception, problem-solving, and decision-making rather than diagnosing or treating mental disorders.
- Counseling Psychology: While similar to clinical psychology, counseling psychology deals more with helping people navigate life challenges, such as relationship issues, stress management, and career concerns, rather than severe psychological disorders.
- Social Psychology: This branch studies how individuals interact with others and how social influences shape behavior, attitudes, and perceptions. It is more research-focused and does not primarily involve diagnosing or treating mental disorders.
Thus, clinical psychology is the best choice for Ashya.