Psychology is a scientific
study of human behavior and mental process. Psychologists deal with behavioral
& emotional challenges faced by any person in daily life. In Pakistani
society, the field of Psychology is facing lack of awareness as well as other
social sciences. The strict cultural belief system and customs lead to the formation
of various myths and stereotypes about human behavior and mental processes. Due
to these myths, the “mental health” of a person is not considered as important
as physical health.
There are so many
different misconceptions about exactly what psychology is and is not.
Psychology is not
a real Science: Many
people believe that psychology is not real science, it’s just art of speaking
learned by psychologists to make people chump. Reality is not so simple. Today’s
psychology & its therapies are based on empirical evidence and scientific
research conducted on human behavior. Scientific observation and learning human
behavior through experiments was started in 1879, when Wilhelm Wundt built the first
psychology laboratory at the University of Leipzig, Germany. After that,
psychology is noted as a science apart from philosophy and biology.
Psychology is sometimes
called a “soft science” as it is different from ‘hard sciences’ like
Mathematics and Physics, where the phenomenon is more definitively measured and
widely applicable. As the human psyche is so variable and complex, so exact and
100% accuracy to understand human behavior is not possible but psychological
research results try to understand and imitate most of it.
Psychology is
Easy: Many
people believe that psychology is nothing more than “common sense” and
therefore is an easy field to master. In reality, the study of psychology
involves arduous training in topics ranging from statistics to Psychopathology.
A bachelor degree in psychology does not make you a Clinical Psychologist but
it demands tough training in clinics & hospitals after pursuing your master
degree.
Psychology classes
can be equally tough like students in other sciences particularly for students,
who have little experience with the subject or who have a limited background in
subjects such as science and math. So,
anyone thinking about making a career in psychology by just getting a degree is
living in fool’s paradise.
“Psychological
Problems” or “Demonic Possession”: In Pakistan, mental illness and
psychological problems are considered by some to be an encounter with Shaitan or
demons, who have taken over one's body and mind. It is also assumed that it is
caused by the black magic performed by enemies and jealous persons. Sleep
paralysis is considered to be an encounter with evil jinns or demons, who have
taken over one's body. Similarly, the persons having Bi-polar disorder or
patients of Schizophrenia are considered to be possessed by some demonic power.
Same is the case with patients of Epileptic Seizures. All these are
psychological & neurological disorders with having a large number of
treatment methods available. Due to strong superstitious beliefs, Pakistanis
from all walks of life routinely turn to faith healers to remedy various health
problems, from abdominal pain to Epilepsy, marital life & financial crises
and getting a good fortune surprise. In the end, people lost both health &
wealth. These superstitious beliefs and false practices can be reduced by
educating the community through awareness campaigns, which can be launched
through community centers like Masjids & Schools.
Limited Number of
Career Options: It
is to be believed in Pakistani society that pursuing a degree in psychology
gives you a limited number of career options. Reality is different,
Psychologists and counselors are required in almost every department of
Governmental and Non-Governmental organizations. But keep one thing in mind
that you should have pursued master degree before starting your career and also
a doctoral degree in some cases. Following are some areas (but not limited),
where spaces are vacant for psychologists:
·
Armed
Forces of Pakistan & Intelligence agencies
·
Public
Service Commissions
·
Health
Services & Hospitals
·
Academic
Positions
·
Educational
Psychologists at Schools, Colleges and higher studies institutes. (Emergent
Space)
·
Child
Psychologists(Emergent Space)
·
Speech
Therapist
·
Forensic
Psychologist in Law-Enforcement institutes. (Emergent Space)
·
Rehabilitation
Psychologists
·
HR
Consultants in various business organizations
·
Counseling
Psychologists
·
Many
more options, as the field in emerging phase In Pakistan
How Myths can be
debunked: These
myths and misconceptions about psychology can only be disapproved by spreading
awareness about scientific knowledge and facts. Teachers at primary and secondary
schools can educate students about these myths and false superstitious beliefs.
The religious Scholars can break the shackles regarding myths by educating and
desensitizing the common people on different superstitious beliefs and taboos.
Electronic, print and social media can play their roles by making dramas &
films and conducting awareness programs. University students can educate their
families and community about Psychology & Psychological problems.
Abdul Bari
The author is a blogger and mission holder, Positive
Pakistan Foundation.