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Has studying psychology affected your personality? If so, how has it changed? #Spring25?
I'm planning on majoring in psychology this upcoming fall. After taking an AP course in high school, I've noticed that I am more attentive to other people's personalities, and I am wondering if continuing my education in psychology will make me more self-aware about my personality.
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Agnieszka !
It's great to be perceptive like your are and always remember, as we gain knowledge, we become a little bit more sophisticated - and that's a good thing !
You will experience a lot of personal and social growth through being a college student, no matter what your major is. As you study the various topics, you will indeed begin to understand yourself more. Many Psychology and Social Work students go for therapy, not because there is some great issue, but to receive the therapy that they one day will be offering to others. It's a good way to examine yourself before you examine others - knowing your motivations, lack of motivations, strong qualities, etc. Discovering what makes you tick is very useful for yourself as a future psychology professional. It could make you feel more secure and comfortable in your own skin.
Yes, you are more attentive to other's personalities now because you understand them better. Your path will be a continual education on how the human mind works and how very different everyone is, That is always something to keep in mind and only something that will be apparent once you work with clients or patients - not everyone's issue is experienced the same.
Advice: never jump to conclusions about the client/patient. It takes some time to really get at the heart of the real issues sometimes. You will learn this through your courses as well as lab work or internships.
So what you may be feeling is your intellectual and personal growth. No matter what age a person is they never stop learning about themselves or the outside world ! It's all good !
I hope this was helpful and I wish you all the best !
It's great to be perceptive like your are and always remember, as we gain knowledge, we become a little bit more sophisticated - and that's a good thing !
You will experience a lot of personal and social growth through being a college student, no matter what your major is. As you study the various topics, you will indeed begin to understand yourself more. Many Psychology and Social Work students go for therapy, not because there is some great issue, but to receive the therapy that they one day will be offering to others. It's a good way to examine yourself before you examine others - knowing your motivations, lack of motivations, strong qualities, etc. Discovering what makes you tick is very useful for yourself as a future psychology professional. It could make you feel more secure and comfortable in your own skin.
Yes, you are more attentive to other's personalities now because you understand them better. Your path will be a continual education on how the human mind works and how very different everyone is, That is always something to keep in mind and only something that will be apparent once you work with clients or patients - not everyone's issue is experienced the same.
Advice: never jump to conclusions about the client/patient. It takes some time to really get at the heart of the real issues sometimes. You will learn this through your courses as well as lab work or internships.
So what you may be feeling is your intellectual and personal growth. No matter what age a person is they never stop learning about themselves or the outside world ! It's all good !
I hope this was helpful and I wish you all the best !
Updated
Andrei’s Answer
I graduated with a degree in Psychology 15 years ago. From my school days, I learned two important things:
1. How to read a research paper. This skill is useful in any field, not just psychology. It has helped me think critically about many aspects of life, like news, medical advice, and learning new skills.
2. The basics of mental health. A healthy person can move between positive and negative emotions without getting stuck, a concept known as congruence. Good mental health also means being open and adaptable in work, social settings, and when meeting new people.
Understanding psychopathology has been particularly helpful in my corporate job and personal life. Dealing with narcissists is tough without support, but my psychology background has made me methodical and disciplined, which helps me handle bullying or manipulation, whether at work or in personal relationships.
On the downside, I've noticed my spontaneity has decreased. My approach has shifted from being more creative to more structured, which I see as an adaptation to living in a big city and working in a corporate job for the past 10 years.
I hope this information is helpful. All the best!
1. How to read a research paper. This skill is useful in any field, not just psychology. It has helped me think critically about many aspects of life, like news, medical advice, and learning new skills.
2. The basics of mental health. A healthy person can move between positive and negative emotions without getting stuck, a concept known as congruence. Good mental health also means being open and adaptable in work, social settings, and when meeting new people.
Understanding psychopathology has been particularly helpful in my corporate job and personal life. Dealing with narcissists is tough without support, but my psychology background has made me methodical and disciplined, which helps me handle bullying or manipulation, whether at work or in personal relationships.
On the downside, I've noticed my spontaneity has decreased. My approach has shifted from being more creative to more structured, which I see as an adaptation to living in a big city and working in a corporate job for the past 10 years.
I hope this information is helpful. All the best!