As everyone navigates the return to school, many pressures can accompany students. Whether juggling homework, clubs, sports, college applications, and maintaining a social life, schedules are packed. However, in the midst of all this chaos, it is crucial for students to understand not only others but also themselves.
Psychology is defined as the study of the human brain. The insights you gain into thought processes, influences, and many other aspects of human behavior will assist you in gaining a better understanding of yourself. Moreover, as students begin going into careers, understanding others can be useful for communication with coworkers.
Studying one’s thought processes allows students to develop critical thinking, self-awareness, and social awareness.
Everyone should take a psychology course as it offers multiple personal benefits. According to The North Central College, psychology can enhance your critical thinking and interpersonal skills. By studying research methods, for example, students develop higher-order reasoning that is vital to many career fields. Moreover, they state that studying psychology is crucial to developing an understanding of yourself and your emotions.
“I think everyone should take a psychology course to better understand themselves. As young adults, our body is constantly changing and by taking a psychology class you are able to understand the biology, the different thought processes, and society’s influence on you,” AP and IB Psychology teacher Christine Zafonte said.
Furthermore, psychology can enhance your ability to understand and interact with others. According to the University of Texas Permian Basin, psychology can cultivate its students into great communicators. Communication is multifaceted- it is not just how you converse with others, but it is also about reading others’ word choices, emotions, facial expressions, body language, and eye contact. Ultimately, understanding someone doesn’t just pertain to comprehending the language they’re using, it is about the intent behind their words.
However, some may argue that psychology is not beneficial to everyone as it entails a lot of triggering and serious topics for students, such as mental illnesses or eating disorders.
“Ultimately, it is a lot of higher order thinking, and the maturity levels of individuals need to be there,” Zafonte said.
Despite this, a psychology class still offers valuable insights into oneself and others. By exposing yourself to sensitive topics, you develop a discipline that equips you with coping strategies that will accompany you throughout your entire life. If a topic concerns you, teachers here at Rockville will take it seriously and respect your wishes.
“If you are interested in learning more about your own self and your own behavior but also at the same time putting in work and taking time to read and analyze research, this is definitely a class for you,” Zafonte said.
