Psihologije

Psihologije, commonly translated as psychology in English, is the scientific study of mind and behavior. In many South Slavic languages, psihologije denotes the same field and shares its core aims and methods. The term derives from the Greek psyche, meaning soul or mind, and -logia, meaning study of. Psychology seeks to understand how mental processes such as perception, attention, memory, emotion, motivation, and thought influence behavior across individuals and groups, and how biological, social, and cultural factors shape these processes.

Researchers in psihologije employ a range of empirical methods, including controlled experiments, observational studies, surveys, longitudinal designs, case studies, psychometric testing, and neuroimaging. These approaches enable the investigation of lawful patterns in cognition, emotion, and behavior, as well as the mechanisms that underlie individual differences and developmental changes.

Subfields within psihologije are diverse and include clinical, counseling, developmental, cognitive, social, personality, biological or biopsychology, health psychology, educational psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, forensic psychology, and neuropsychology. Each area applies theory and methods to questions about mental health, learning, decision making, social interaction, and human performance.

Historically, psihologije emerged in the late 19th century as a distinct science, integrating philosophy, physiology, and later physiology of the brain. Key phases include the rise of experimental psychology, behaviorism, the cognitive revolution, and contemporary integrative approaches that incorporate neuroscience, evolution, and culture.

Applications span mental health treatment, assessment and diagnosis, educational design, workplace innovation, human factors, and public policy. Training and licensure vary by country, but ethical standards emphasize informed consent, confidentiality, welfare of clients and participants, and responsible use of findings.