Psychology 101

One of the least understood science in Indian Society is Psychology. more than 90 % of the crowd thinks psychology deals with only lunatics and mentally disordered. Another 5 percent thinks that it is used to solve conflicts like marital problems etc, Little does the crowd know that mental health and well being is as important as physical health and fitness (there is a huge lack in this area also, but that's a different topic altogether).

Little does one realize that a lack of psychological education leads to the following maladies in the society:

1) Lack of social discipline
2) Lack of basic courtesy
3) Brashness, Cynisicm
4) Negativity
5) short temper and public rage
6) Stereo typing and dogmatism
7) Lack of empathy and mutual trust
etc.

This is because while people at large are educated in skills like science, math and language they are seldom taught human psychology and it's application in day to day life. Sound mental health and social skills are never considered a positive trait in schools and colleges and are played just lip service even in reputed large organisations. Only a small percentage of students pursue psychology as a major in colleges and a even smaller percentage of them pursue it as a full time career.

This unfortunate situation exists only in under developed countries. In well developed countries like US or Europe psychology is a flourishing career. There is also a distinct difference in how people at large view getting psychic help. In well developed nations people visit therapists regularly to get their mental health in order and invest quite a bit to acquire psychological skills in addition to getting their problems solved. In India, it is complete reverse. People hesitate to visit a therapist unless there is a burning problem like lunacy, mental disorder or marital dispute. Little thought is ever given to the harm that is caused by people to the society collectively because they have no empathy whatsoever.

For example, when one walks in the road or drives, we can see this very apparently. People have no concern for what others want but simply rush through causing enormous hardship and stress in the process. Complete disdain for rules and a lack of respect for others coupled with absolute lack of either self or social discipline makes matters even worse. If there is an accident or even a minor incident, tempers flare and road rage ensues.

Now this is not seen just in the roads. We can see an absolute lack of empathy in teams, group meetings, workers, women, any public gatherings or public places. Why? Are we not educated? Nope, the tendency is seen more with most educated people. So where is the issue? The root cause of the issue lies in lack of social psychology skills education being imparted to people at large.

When psychology is introduced as a compulsory subject in class 8,9 and 10, following change or transition happens automatically:

1) Respond vs react: people will have the skills required to process a situation and provide a considered response automatically. No needless flare-ups happens between individuals or groups

2) Social Discipline: People understand the importance of staying disciplined in public places. The benefits obviously are phenomenal.

3) Empathy: people automatically put themselves in other's shoes and act accordingly. Just imagine how the country will be if this becomes true, both at individual level and at group / society / national level.

4) Lack of Dogma, Stereo Typing: Psychological skills enable and equip people to think rationally and critically examine their belief systems. Providing these skills at the school level will produce citizens who are socially and psychologically astute.

5) Leapfrogging productivity: If the needless mind related distractions are out if the way, people will start focussing on other areas with greater clarity and focus. Imagine the collective productivity nations begets due to this change in the attitude of the people at large.