The 10 branches (or fields) of Psychology

Psychology is a science that encompasses a large number of fields and fields of application. His object of study is the human mind and behavior, but he also studies other aspects; that is why psychology diversifies (and specializes) in many branches or fields.

In this article we will know the 10 most important branches (or fields) of Psychology, although there may be some more. We will know its characteristics, fields of application, functions that its different types of professionals develop and we will see some examples.

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The 10 branches of Psychology (and what each one consists of)

What does each of these 10 branches (or fields) of Psychology consist of? We will see it in detail below.

1. Clinical psychology

Clinical psychology is the branch of psychology in charge of studying psychological disorders (or mental), as well as abnormal behavior. In addition, it includes the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of said mental disorders.

In the psychology degree, most of the subjects that we find, at least in Spain, are clinical psychology. Many times is the branch that most motivates future psychologists, and the one that most reminds of the situation of the couch, patients, own consultation ...

The functions of a clinical psychologist are, therefore, in addition to diagnosing, evaluating and treating, also to prevent any type of mental disorder (or maladaptive behavior).

As a clinical psychologist you can work in hospitals, clinics, medical centers, health centers, private practice, teaching... Spain, currently the only means of access to specialization in clinical psychology (as a psychologist specializing in clinical psychology, PEPC) to be able to work in public health, is the PIR (resident internal psychologist).

The PIR consists of an exam that, if passed, gives access to a 4-year training plan as a resident psychologist in a hospital in Spain.

2. Educational psychology

This branch is the one in charge of studying the different processes involved in learning, in addition to the factors that intervene in educational centers. In other words, it studies the learning subject itself, but also the environment in which it learns, the agent that teaches it, etc., and all the variables that influence a person's learning process.

The functions of the educational psychologist include caring for students with learning difficulties. What's more, intervenes in psychological processes that may hinder learning. Coordinates with other professionals to help students learn effectively.

Educational psychologists can work in schools (both ordinary and special education), in associations, foundations, teaching ...

3. Sports psychology

This third branch or field of psychology, deals with studying psychological factors that may be influencing the performance of an athlete, as well as in their participation in different sports activities or championships. He is an especially key figure for top-level athletes or elite (professional) athletes.

Its functions include psychological care for athletes, in aspects related to their performance, their training, possible injuries, etc.

These professionals can work with athletes individually, but also in soccer, basketball teams... (or any sport), clubs, federations, etc.

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4. Organizational and work psychology

This branch of psychology refers to the discipline of human resources, characterized by being involved in all those processes that affect the employees of an organization (company), these being: personnel selection, worker training… Thus, human resources are in charge of managing organizations at the worker level (employees).

The functions of an organization and work psychologist may vary depending on the department where they are located, but basically they are: search and screen candidates for vacant positions, conduct interviews (that is, selection of personnel), design and / or implement training for workers, group dynamics, prevention of occupational hazards, etc.

This type of professional can work in any company that requires it, public or private, in the human resources department.

5. Evolutionary Psychology

Evolutionary psychology studies the development and changes that occur at the psychological level throughout the life of the people, in the different life stages. That is, it focuses on each of the stages (ages) of life, characterizing them with milestones and other elements.

6. Personality psychology

Personality psychology, another branch of psychology, studies those elements or factors that characterize us as individuals; that is, they study personality, traits, types of behavior, etc.

It focuses on analyzing why a person behaves in an "X" way, according to her personality type, analyzing the influences received. In addition, it evaluates and describes how this personality changes throughout life.

7. Social psychology

This branch of psychology is responsible for studying the behavior of individuals in society and at the relational level; that is, it studies the individual in his relational context, as a social being (who lives in society and who needs to relate to others). In addition, it is also responsible for studying how the environment or social environment influences their behavior.

8. Forensic psychology

Forensic psychology is another branch of psychology, in charge of studying the processes that are carried out in the courts of justice from a psychological point of view. In other words, a forensic psychologist has the function of collecting and analyzing evidence of a psychological nature so that it can be taken into account in legal proceedings.

In addition, you can also evaluate a person who has suffered mistreatment, rape, etc. And, it can also assess whether a person has a certain mental disorder that has led him to commit a certain criminal act.

9. Sexology

Sexology focuses on the study of sexual alterations, or behaviors and states that may be hindering affective, intimate and / or sexual relationships in a couple. This branch derives from clinical psychology, since it also focuses on abnormal or dysfunctional behaviors.

It can be applied in the field of sexual dysfunctions, but also in other types of relationship problems. In addition, it is also ideal for couples who want to improve their sexual life, even if they do not have any type of disorder.

10. Neuropsychology

Neuropsychology is another field, straddling neurology and psychology; its object of study is the nervous system. Specifically, it studies the relationships between it and behavior, emotions, feelings, communication, etc. It is a branch related to neurosciences. In addition, it studies neuropsychological disorders or alterations, whether they are genetic or acquired.

A neuropsychologist can work in hospitals (with the PIR, or with the General Health Master). You can also work in centers where workshops are held or sensory stimulation therapies (for example for people with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, patients who have suffered a stroke or head trauma, intellectual disability, etc.).

Bibliographic references

• Bermúdez, J. (2003). Psychology of personality. Theory and research (vol. I and II). Madrid: UNED

• Torres, A. (2018). The 12 branches (or fields) of Psychology. Psychology and mind.

• Triglia, Adrián; Regader, Bertrand; García-Allen, Jonathan (2016). Psychologically speaking. Paidos.

• Vidales, Ismael (2004). General psychology. Mexico: Limusa.