Your Psychology.co.uk

Popular Psychology

Popular psychology (Pop psychology) is a term used to describe various types of mental strategies that may or may not be scientifically proven, but are purportedly designed to improve one’s psychological well-being and promote a healthier life.

 
Pop psychology includes a wide and ever-changing set of theoretical practices popularised by general public acceptance. Such practices are typically dispensed through self-help books, seminars, talk radio, syndicated columnists, and celebrity self-help gurus. 

---

While financial success doesn’t necessarily prove credibility, many self-help books have become best-sellers and gained enormous success in the halls of pop psychology. Chicken Soup For The Soul (1993), The Road Less Traveled (1979), Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus (1992), You Can Heal Your Life (1984) and Awaken The Giant Within (1992) are just a few examples. 

Fields of Pop Psychology

Brain Training

Brain Training is all the rage at the moment with the popularity of brain training software on the rise. But does it actually improve your memory or make you more intelligent?

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)

Utilises a system of alternative therapy which seeks to educate people in self-awareness and effective communication, and to change their patterns of mental and emotional behviour.

How real someone's personality actually is isn't all that straightforward! But in everday language we encouter phrases such as 'personality traits', 'personality types', 'personality disorders', and we are regularly invited to carry out 'personality tests' or 'personality quizzes' in order to discover our true personality!

Self-help

Often people don't feel comfortable or confident enough to talk to professionals about their worries or problems. If you fit into this category, some of the self-help resources available might be for you.