BRANCHES OF PSYCHOLOGY

Prepared by:
Ms. Jonna Karla C. Bien, RN
GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY
Explains the underlying principles of human behavior
The study of how and why people behave this way or that way
Includes the principles of the structural and functional mechanisms of the human
body.
COMPARATIVE PSYCHOLOGY
Treats on the behavior and mental processes of the different species.
This is also known as animal psychology where activities of both man and animal
are compared and differentiated, particularly in relation to genetic and
evolutionary theories.
Development or Genetic Psychology
Concerns itself with the study of human behavior in all its aspects of growth and
development
Child Psychology
Is the scientific study of human behavior from its post-natal beginnings up to the early
adolescence.

Deals with the stages of growth and maturation, the effects of environmental influences
upon individual patterns of development, and psychological and social interactions
between the child and the society into which he is born and in which he is reared.

Adolescent Psychology
Is the study of the behavior of man from puberty to later life, approximately from 12 to 20
years old.

It involves the physical and mental maturation of an individual, as well as the attainment
of emotional and social maturity.

Senescent Psychology
Scientific study of human behavior in old age.
Consumer Psychology
Concerned with the investigation of the varied facets of marketing and buying
behavior, effects of advertising, studies of mass media, and other problems arising
from the relationship between the buyer and seller.
Abnormal Psychology
Scientific study of human behavior and the etiology or cause of personality defects,
or mans behavior which deviates from the average reaction, hence abnormal.
Dynamic Psychology
Scientific interpretation of mental phenomena emphasizing internal drives and
motives as the cause of behavior.
Psychiatry
Psychology applied in medicine.

Concerned with the treatment of mental diseases.

Business Psychology
Study of the principles of psychology as applied to business and deals particularly
with the behavior of consumers.
Social Psychology
Study of the behavior of groups of individuals in their relationship to other groups.
Cognitive Psychology
Concerned with the mental processes involved in acquiring and using knowledge.
One important application has been efforts to program computers to stimulate how
the mind stores, retrieves and sees information. (artificial intelligence)
Forensic Psychology
Legal Psychology
Application of the principles of human behavior to law, or any legal proceedings.
Community Psychology
This is dedicated to promote health at the community level.
AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION
Clinical Psychology
Counseling Psychology
Educational and School Psychology
Experimental and Physiological Psychology
Industrial Organizational Psychology