Psychology

What is it?

The study of human thought, behavior, and emotion, combining social science and biology. Psychologists learn research methods, statistics, and theory to explore the ways people act, often with an emphasis on mental health, cognitive development, and social interactions.

Median annual salary
$ 0
People employed U.S.
0
Job growth score (out of 100)
0

What would you do?

Survey patients or conduct interviews to measure behaviors
Analyze data with statistics to find patterns in test results
Test hypotheses with controlled studies in real-world settings
Develop interventions to help people who struggle with learning, mental health, and more
Publish findings in journals or apply them to real-world problems

Relationship to climate change

Psychology is key to society making sustainable decisions and supporting people with climate anxiety
To fight climate change, psychologists…
Encourage sustainable behavior
• Conduct studies on consumer decision making
• Survey groups to find their thoughts on sustainability
• Test climate messaging to see what motivates people
• Promote social norms that support sustainable choices in communities
Support climate-affected communities
• Provide therapy and care after wildfires, floods, and other disasters
• Help communities build resilience and coping strategies for future climate disasters
• Train local leaders how to support vulnerable communities
Improve policy impact
• Advise advocacy groups on climate policy messaging
• Study why people resist behavior change or climate policies
• Assess the psychological effects of climate policies and public initiatives
Support mental health
• Provide counseling for people with climate anxiety
• Create community programs to connect with others stressed from climate disasters
• Teach coping strategies that reduce feelings of helplessness
Use psychology for these climate change solutions…
More solutions

Get Started

Psychology is a great fit if you enjoy communicating well, problem-solving, dealing with emotions, and helping others directly. Explore classes and project ideas to get started:
Recommended classes
High school:

English

Biology (H)
AP Biology

Chemistry (H)
AP Chemistry

Geometry (H)
Precalc/Trigonometry (H)
AP Calculus
AP Statistics

Human Development
AP Seminar
AP Research
Survey your community on recycling or energy-saving habits and analyze what predicts behavior
Create an online resource for people with climate anxiety
Interview people who experienced climate disasters about coping strategies
Organize a community action project and measure changes in participant stress
Raise awareness about psychological barriers to taking action
Visualize climate beliefs and anxiety data
Psychologists
Here’s how to turn climate change anxiety into action
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Minnesota Teens Are Fighting Climate Anxiety With Shovels



Written by Aiden Miao
Palo Alto High School (2027)