PSIVision: Youths Pursuing Behavioral Studies Scholarship

Being a social science, it would make sense for studies like psychology to be considered in major social crises. However, historically this has not been the case. With the muddy history that psychology as a practice holds, blame cannot be placed on those who disregard it now despite the great changes it has undergone. Where a psychologist in modern times takes the full name of 'scientist', history will show that some notable psychologists did not engage in the scientific method. Through those who practiced psychology as an art rather than a science, the world’s view of psychology was forever altered. It now lies on the shoulders of modern psychologists to reframe society’s view of social science once again: to illustrate empiricism and how this critical thinking can be applied. Once we achieve this shift in perspective, the opportunity for social science solutions to world problems actualizes. Understanding the human mind and its functions creates analytical minds and crucial discussions on the state of an institution or precedent. An issue psychologists are increasingly looking into regards poverty. Many researchers hope that by investigating the plethora of effects poverty enacts on the brain, they can push not only citizens to help those in need but also policymakers. Psychology cannot solve the biggest societal issues alone, but create a foundational understanding of the brain's response to its economic and political stimuli. For example, decades of research have shown that individuals who deal with the many stressors associated with low socioeconomic status have a higher susceptibility to mental and physical disorders as well as low educational attainment. The cruel irony of this situation lies in the fact that limited access to healthcare faced by those with low SES (socioeconomic status) catalyzes their poor health susceptibility, and in turn leaves people unable to seek treatment. This connection seems like common sense, but the iceberg of poverty’s effect on the human mind sinks deeper. From studying development in children, it was found that those receiving high levels of cognitive stimulation during childhood led to higher language aptitudes in middle and high school. Low socioeconomic status children may grow up with a deficit in items crucial to cognitive development such as books and educational toys. Further, the parental figures in their life give attention to their more basic needs such as working to provide food and shelter. This disconnect creates a gap in the educational development of children in varying classes. Understanding how this gap is created (stressors of poverty) and its effects (slower or compromised cognitive development) not only brings to light the severity of the issue but gives opportunities for legislators to enact change. Before research determining the adverse physical health effects of smoking, it was widespread and accepted. In the same way that physical health research guides the status quo, so too can psychology and the social sciences. These mental effects being invisible gives them no less importance but makes them more difficult to understand and translate to the general public. Providing tangible, experimental results to these seemingly intangible consequences creates the necessary awareness that creates change and builds a better future.