• Question: How do you use psychology in everyday life, in and out of work?

    Asked by anon-353162 on 7 Mar 2023.
    • Photo: Greta Defeyter

      Greta Defeyter answered on 7 Mar 2023:

      I use my knowledge of developmental psychology when designing research studies, especially when I am conducting research with children and young people. For example, when designing a questionnaire it is important to have knowledge about language acquisition and other conceptual knowledge. There is no point in developing a questionnaire that children don’t understand. In everyday life, I find that psychology enables me to understand other peoples behaviours. However, it can be quite difficult to stop analysing behaviours and just to enjoy oneself. As a result of my work I do a lot of work for charities: Feeding Britain, Family Gateway and the North East Air Ambulance Service, Mayor’s Fund for London. Giving back to society through my knowledge of psychology is important to me personally.

    • Photo: Joanne Cummings

      Joanne Cummings answered on 7 Mar 2023: last edited 7 Mar 2023 12:54 pm

      I use psychology in work by thinking about theory and research and how that might apply in group settings, leadership, interacting with others, for example. Out of work, I relate my understanding of psychology of exercise to my own exercise behaviour, as well as to others’.

    • Photo: Emily McDougal

      Emily McDougal answered on 7 Mar 2023:

      I think understanding psychology gives you a great perspective on the world around you. Understanding that a person is shaped by factors out of their control, such as their genetics, their past experiences, and connections in their brain, is really important. It makes it easier to be compassionate and can reduce prejudice. I also find it helpful to reflect internally on my own actions and thoughts, to be kinder to myself.

    • Photo: Hannah Fawcett

      Hannah Fawcett answered on 7 Mar 2023:

      Psychology applies to all areas of life so it has a huge impact on us all. Psychology is all about understand others and helping to improve their experiences. In work I study the psychology of juror decision making – how jurors, think, feel and behave. Outside of work I use this knowledge to make sense of the world around me. Considering how the thoughts and feelings of others impacts on their behaviour can help me to be more understanding of the challenges that others face. I certainly use me knowledge of psychology to help parent my children in a kind, respectful, caring (and evidence based!) way

    • Photo: Jo Van Herwegen

      Jo Van Herwegen answered on 21 Mar 2023:

      YES! Although I probably should use my knowledge more. I am a mum of two children so am using my developmental psychology skills at home. When my 4 year old is yelling and stomping his feet because he is tired and wants chocolate, I can sympathise with him that his amygdala is just very active and his frontal cortex is just not developed enough to inhibit that response. So I know giving him a hug or other food (basic things that the amygdala part of the brain likes) is more helpful than reasoning with him 🙂

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