To different disciplines

Application of Psychology
to Different Disciplines
The evolutionary process has resulted in species of animals that are structurally
and behaviourally adapted to the environment, in which they live. Animals have
evolved species typical behaviours to adapt to their environments. Evolutionary
processes are also said to have produced brains that are specialised so that certain
associations and responses are learned readily. Certain species are thus said to be
ready, or predisposed, to learn some things easily; and such responses are often
called prepared behaviours. Other responses are almost impossible for some
species to learn; these are known as contra prepared behaviours. A third class of
behaviours, the unprepared behaviours, can be acquired, but only when learning
procedures are applied (Seligman, 1970)
Studies in the areas of health psychology and clinical psychology suggest how
psychology also affects the physiological and biological processes. For example,
placebo effect (changes in behaviour due to expectations that a drug or other
treatment will have some effect) can be powerful. A placebo is a fake pill or
injection. Inert substances such as sugar pills and saline (saltwater) injections
are common placebos. Thus, if a placebo has any effect, it must be based on
suggestion, rather than chemistry (Moerman, 2002). According to Kirsch & Lynn
(1999), a saline injection is 70 percent as effective as morphine, in reducing
pain. That is why doctors sometimes prescribe placebos. Placebos have been
shown to affect pain, anxiety, depression, alertness, tension, sexual arousal,
craving for alcohol, and many other processes.
Research also indicates that, in addition to exercises, there are some reliable,
drug free ways of relaxing, when you are under stress. Meditation is one of the
most effective ways to relax (Deckro et al., 2002). But be aware that listening to
music, taking nature walks, enjoying hobbies and the like can be meditation of
sorts. Anything that reliably interrupts upsetting thoughts and promotes relaxation,
can be helpful. Also, Vipassana meditation(A Buddhist technique) has many
beneficial effects including reduction/tolerance of pain.
It is also possible to relax systematically, completely, and by choice by a method
called progressive relaxation. It is a method for producing deep relaxation of all