Psychologists: meaning, definitions and examples

🧠
Add to dictionary

psychologists

 

[saɪˈkɒlədʒɪsts ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

study of human mind and behavior

Psychologists are professionals who study the human mind and behavior. They use scientific methods to understand how people think, feel, and behave. Psychologists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, and private practices.

Synonyms

counselors, psychiatrists, therapists.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
psychologists

Used when referring to professionals who study the mind and behavior, and often provide therapy and conduct research. They do not prescribe medications.

  • The psychologist helped the patient understand the root causes of their anxiety.
  • Psychologists often use cognitive-behavioral therapy in their practice.
therapists

General term that can refer to a variety of professionals providing mental health treatment, including psychologists, counselors, and social workers. The term is broad and can also include physical therapists.

  • The therapist used different techniques to help the patient cope with stress.
  • Therapists often provide talk therapy to help individuals work through personal issues.
counselors

Used to describe professionals who offer guidance and advice, often in specific areas such as career, school, or relationships. They may not have extensive training in mental health treatment.

  • The school counselor helped the student choose their courses for the next semester.
  • Marriage counselors assist couples in improving their communication skills.
psychiatrists

Refer to medical doctors specialized in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses. They can prescribe medications.

  • The psychiatrist prescribed medication to help manage the patient's depression.
  • Psychiatrists often work with a team of other mental health professionals.

Examples of usage

  • Psychologists often help people overcome mental health issues.
  • Studying psychology can provide insights into human behavior.
  • Many psychologists conduct research to advance our understanding of the mind.
  • Psychologists may specialize in areas such as clinical psychology or educational psychology.
  • Psychologists play an important role in helping individuals improve their mental well-being.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Greek 'psyche', meaning soul or mind, and 'logos', meaning study.
  • It first appeared in English around the 17th century, initially referring to the study of the soul before evolving to modern psychology.

Historical Development

  • Wilhelm Wundt is often called the father of psychology; he established the first psychology lab in 1879 in Germany.
  • The field began as a branch of philosophy but transformed into a scientific discipline in the late 19th century.

Pop Culture

  • Psychologists have been portrayed in films and television, often depicted as figures who unravel mysteries of the human mind, such as in the show 'Frasier'.
  • Books like 'Thinking, Fast and Slow' by Daniel Kahneman have popularized psychological concepts and insights.

Modern Applications

  • Psychologists work in various fields, including clinical settings, schools, businesses, and sports, applying their knowledge to improve mental health and performance.
  • They use various techniques, including therapy, assessments, and research, to help individuals and groups.

Psychological Theories

  • There are various schools of thought, including behaviorism, which focuses on observable behavior, and cognitive psychology, which looks at mental processes.
  • Freudian theory, developed by Sigmund Freud, introduced ideas such as the unconscious mind and defense mechanisms, influencing many aspects of culture.

Translations

Translations of the word "psychologists" in other languages:

🇵🇹 psicólogos

🇮🇳 मनोवैज्ञानिकों

🇩🇪 Psychologen

🇮🇩 psikolog

🇺🇦 психологи

🇵🇱 psychologowie

🇯🇵 心理学者

🇫🇷 psychologues

🇪🇸 psicólogos

🇹🇷 psikologlar

🇰🇷 심리학자들

🇸🇦 علماء النفس

🇨🇿 psychologové

🇸🇰 psychológovia

🇨🇳 心理学家

🇸🇮 psihologi

🇮🇸 sálfræðingar

🇰🇿 психологтар

🇬🇪 ფსიქოლოგები

🇦🇿 psixoloqlar

🇲🇽 psicólogos

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,750 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.