Psychology - Untapped in india

Psychology – Still Untapped in India

Before I began studying psychology, I was myself apprehensive about its need, application and scope, especially in India. Nevertheless, once you are into this subject you don’t need statistics to be convinced of its value; the course content itself convinces you. Following is the scene of this subject in our motherland:

1. Despite the fact that original Indian thought is psychology oriented, in the sense that it includes many stress-reducing and relaxing activities, what is taught in our education institutions is western psychology. Thus, it becomes inapplicable in its immediate environment that is different socially, economically, politically, and intellectually.
2. Availing the services of a psychologist is still stigmatized and out-of-normal course of events.

Here, I quote the example of a friend ABC, whose mother was visibly in need of psychological help for years. Yet, it was only when her behaviour went out-of-control that her family members decided to seek professional help. By that time, her symptoms had become full blown, thus rendering all psychological strategies relatively useless. She now required the services of a psychiatrist rather than a psychologist. The same case throws light on another problem that our country faces in this regard – lack of well-trained psychologists. My friend couldn’t find a psychologist who would be economically within her family’s reach, experienced, and efficient.

3. Ideally, there should be one psychologist per 25000 people, out of which 1000 can be assumed to be in need of psychological services. Compared to the number of individuals who need help, the number of psychologists is far from sufficient. Let’s take the example of Yamunanagar, an upcoming district in Haryana. Here, for a population of 4 lakhs, there are just 2 psychologists. Even they are bound to the organizations they work for and not available to general public. Projecting the same figure on a national level, it can be said that India has approximately 3500 psychologists. Going by our nation’s population, there should be 44000 psychologists. So, the required number is thirteen times more than what we have!!
4. At present around 65 educational institutions in India offer degrees in Psychology. Out of the limited students (that are mostly girls) doing these courses, at least ten to fifteen percent either don’t go professional or change their stream. So, while the population of our motherland is increasing by leaps, presenting newer problems, the number of psychologists to cater to them is far from sufficient.
5. Unfortunately, most of the professionals are segregated in metros. Seeking their services is difficult for people far from these places. And, until the people in need are treated efficiently, the effectiveness and value of Psychology won’t get recognized.
6. Reasons why Indians are increasingly in need of psychological help:
a. The extremes and variations in our society make it difficult to adopt and stick to one life-style. There is persistent dissatisfaction.
b. Superficial westernization is leading to identity crisis and role confusion. e.g. youngsters are in a rush to start earning even before they finish their studies, which is not out of place but out of tune
c. Increasing need of independence and rejection of one’s own roots. e.g. women in double income families delay motherhood, but go through a tough time later due to health problems, lack of experienced elders’ guidance and moral support so crucial to pregnant ladies.
d. Growing competition at each level. e.g. increase in the no. of suicides among students, due to poor scores; farmers for the inability to repay loans; and many more. Instead of setting our own standards we are led by external criteria like the glitz and glamour of media.
e. Ego hassles, unit families, increasing divorce rates
f. Job- hopping, materialism leading to more frequent family quarrels.

7. The difference between a psychologist and psychiatrist is still not well understood by a layman. Thus, patients expect such advice and guidance from their psychiatrist that only a psychologist is qualified to provide. While a psychiatrist is a doctor and treats mental problems through medicines, psychologists figure out thinking and behavioral patterns and try helping people by bringing about change in thought processes. One can’t do the same job as the other.

Having presented these facts and figures, I’d like to emphasize that the full potential of the knowledge in realm of psychology is not sufficiently tapped in India. It offers great benefits, provided the need and application gets recognition, be it any field from sports to agriculture, electricity to education or aviation to management.