PSYCHOLOGY CLUB

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24296, 13 May 1940, Page 2

PSYCHOLOGY CLUB

“ How Psychology Can Help ” was the subject discussed at the Practical Psychology Club last Thursday evening. It was pointed out that the psychology of to-day differed from that of a generation ago in that formerly it was purely academic and theoretical, while to-day it was practical and experimental. To-day, doctors and ministers were more interested and found knowledge of psychology a wonderful aid in healing both mentally and physically Every day, one was faced with psychological problems which had to be dealt with, and the first steps towards coping with these problems was to know oneself This did not mean morbid introspection with too much thought of self; but to understand oneself was to increase happiness and to face life with greater understanding, interest and courage. A great knowledge of psychology was of little use unless applied and put into everyday practice, and this called for patience and perseverance. To realise that every conscious act was the result of a definite thought was to see the wisdom of positive constructive thinking. By the culture of the mind one could develop existing possibilities into realities, and although it was ho easy task to change the established directio'n of one’s thoughts, every conscious effort would prove a stepping stone to a healthy positive, outlook on life.