Child Psychology

Within the very broad and extensive field of psychology, there is a limitless amount of subcategories and specialties that are in existence today. The basic fundamental principle of psychology is to try to understand how and why the human mind works and behaves in certain ways in a given situation. To figure out how the human mind operates and functions is an extremely complicated process to try and narrow down into one specific topic, which is part of the reasoning behind the numerous amounts of subdivisions of psychology. There are the obvious subfields of psychology, such as child psychology, clinical psychology, and counseling psychology, and there are other more obscure and specialized fields such as sports psychology, forensic psychology, and geriatric psychology. Most, if not all, psychologists are considered doctors. In order to become licensed and professional, all prospective psychologists must earn some form of a doctorate degree through graduate school. Many psychologists hold a Doctorate in Psychology degree (Psy. D.), yet others who decide to take their careers further into researching and/or being a professor at a college or university level achieve the prestigious status of a Doctorate in Philosophy degree (Ph. D.). In a majority of the United States of America, a Doctorate in Psychology or a Doctorate in Philosophy only indicate a general major, such as psychology, rather than a specialized subfield within psychology. In other words, a child psychologist will most likely have majored in psychology and minored in adolescent development, or something related to children, while in undergraduate and graduate programs.

Though none of the specific subfields of psychology are necessarily more important than another, there are certain specialties that are more commonly sought after than others. Child psychology is perhaps one of the more common subcategories of psychology, and for good reason. No parent wants to see their child “abnormal” or severely different from his or her peers in school. Proper nourishment and nurture during childhood is a very essential aspect of how the child will grow up to develop and become his (or her) own individual. A child psychologist is often sought after by parents who simply want to reassurance that nothing is wrong with their child. Because of the often erratic and sometimes unpredictable behaviors by children, child psychology is a specialty field that may often seem a tad more prosperous than other fields of psychology. It is important for a child psychologist to have some extra patience because of the vast exposure and interactivity with children of all ages. In some cases, a child psychologist will have to deal with cases of autism or attention deficit disorder, which will require even more patience. Child psychology happens to be one of the subfields of psychology that may call for exceptionally patient and understanding individuals, however the rewards of being a child psychologist can be quite gratifying and worthwhile. Children are often easier and more fun to work with than for example, a patient in his middle ages who is diagnosed with a severe case of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Child psychology can definitely have its trials and tribulations to face, but child psychology can also definitely be one of the more easygoing and relaxed subfields of psychology.