Psychologist: meaning, definitions and examples

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psychologist

[saɪˈkɒlədʒɪst ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

mental health

A psychologist is a professional who studies the mind and behavior, and helps individuals deal with emotional and mental health issues. They use various techniques such as therapy, counseling, and assessments to understand and treat psychological problems.

Synonyms

counselor, psychiatrist, therapist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
psychologist	Use this term when referring to a professional who studies mental processes and human behavior. They often conduct evaluations using psychological tests, interviews, and observations. I have an appointment with a psychologist to discuss my anxiety issues. The psychologist conducted various tests to understand her student's learning difficulties.
therapist	This term is broad and can refer to both psychologists and counselors who provide mental health therapy. They support clients through talk therapy to manage and overcome various issues. I've been seeing a therapist to help with my stress management. My therapist suggested some techniques to improve my sleep.
counselor	This is commonly used when referring to someone who helps to resolve personal, social, or psychological problems and conflicts. Counselors typically work in settings like schools, clinics, or private practice. The school counselor helped me choose the right college. After my parents' divorce, I talked to a counselor to help me cope.
psychiatrist	This is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses. They are able to prescribe medication and may also provide therapy. My psychiatrist prescribed me medication for my depression. She sees a psychiatrist monthly for her bipolar disorder.

Examples of usage

The psychologist helped the patient work through their trauma.
She decided to see a psychologist to cope with her anxiety.
Psychologists often work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

academic field

In the academic field, a psychologist is a researcher or professor who conducts studies on human behavior and cognition. They may specialize in areas such as developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, or social psychology.

Synonyms

academic, professor, researcher.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
psychologist	A psychologist is a professional who studies mental processes and behavior and provides therapy to individuals with mental health issues. They typically work in clinical settings or private practices. She visited a psychologist to help her manage her anxiety. The psychologist conducted a series of tests to diagnose the patient's condition.
researcher	A researcher is someone who conducts studies and experiments to gain new knowledge in a specific field. They may work in various settings such as universities, research institutes, or private companies. The researcher presented her groundbreaking findings at the international conference. He works as a researcher in a laboratory focusing on genetic engineering.
academic	An academic is a person involved in education or scholarly activities, often at a college or university. They engage in teaching and research within their field of expertise. He has spent years as an academic researching ancient civilizations. Academics often publish their findings in scholarly journals.
professor	A professor is a senior academic instructor at a college or university who teaches courses and often engages in research. They hold advanced degrees and usually have tenure. Professor Smith is one of the most renowned experts in biology. Students attended the lecture given by their psychology professor.

Examples of usage

The psychologist published a groundbreaking study on memory retention.
She decided to pursue a career as a psychologist after studying human behavior in college.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'psychologist' is derived from the Greek word 'psyche,' meaning soul or mind, and 'logos,' meaning study.
The term began to be used in the 18th century, initially indicating a study of the mind's functions.
By the late 19th century, the profession as we know it today began to take shape with the establishment of the first psychological laboratories.

Career Insights

Psychologists may work in various settings including schools, hospitals, and private practices, providing counseling and therapy.
Clinical psychologists often use techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy to help people cope with mental health issues.
Many psychologists specialize in fields such as child psychology, sports psychology, or forensic psychology.

Cultural Perspectives

In many cultures, the role of the psychologist is often seen as taboo, with people sometimes preferring to seek advice from family or religious figures.
The influence of pop culture has shaped our understanding of psychologists, often depicting them in films and TV shows as detectives of the mind.
Different cultures may have varying approaches to mental health, with some focusing more on community solutions than individual therapy.

Historical Figures

Sigmund Freud is often regarded as the father of psychoanalysis, introducing concepts such as the unconscious mind and defense mechanisms.
Carl Jung, another influential figure, developed ideas on archetypes and collective unconscious, shaping modern psychology significantly.
B.F. Skinner is known for his work on behaviorism, emphasizing the impact of the environment on behavior through operant conditioning.

Science and Research

Psychological studies use diverse methodologies, including experiments, surveys, and observational research to understand human behavior.
Neuroscience has increasingly intersected with psychology, exploring how brain function relates to thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Research in psychology is vital for developing effective treatment options, contributing to better mental health practices and policies.

Translations

Translations of the word "psychologist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 psicólogo

🇮🇳 मनोवैज्ञानिक

🇩🇪 Psychologe

🇮🇩 psikolog

🇺🇦 психолог

🇵🇱 psycholog

🇯🇵 心理学者

🇫🇷 psychologue

🇪🇸 psicólogo

🇹🇷 psikolog

🇰🇷 심리학자

🇸🇦 طبيب نفسي

🇨🇿 psycholog

🇸🇰 psychológ

🇨🇳 心理学家

🇸🇮 psiholog

🇮🇸 sálfræðingur

🇰🇿 психолог

🇬🇪 ფსიქოლოგი

🇦🇿 psixoloq

🇲🇽 psicólogo

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,648 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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9645 infested
9646 heed
9647 elaborated
9648 psychologist
9649 snap
9650 lazy
9651 dean
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