Psychologists engage in research, practice and teaching across a wide range of topics having to do with how people think, feel and behave.

Their work can involve individuals, groups, families and as well as larger organizations in government and industry. Some psychologists focus their research on animals rather than people.

Here are some of the kinds of topics towards which psychologists focus their research and practice:

• mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, phobias, etc., neurological, genetic, psychological and social determinants of behavior,
• brain injury, degenerative brain diseases, perception and management of pain,
• psychological factors and problems associated with physical conditions and disease (e.g. diabetes, heart disease, stroke),
• cognitive functions such as learning, memory, problem solving, intellectual ability and performance,
• developmental and behavioural abilities and problems across the lifespan,
• criminal behaviour, crime prevention, services for victims and perpetrators of criminals activity,
• addictions and substance use and abuse (e.g. smoking, alcohol, drugs),
• stress, anger and other aspects of lifestyle management,
• court consultations, accidents and injury, parental capacity, and competence to manage one’s personal affairs,
• the application of psychological factors and issues to work such as motivation, leadership, productivity, marketing, healthy workplaces, ergonomics,
• martial and family relationships and problems, psychological factors necessary to maintaining wellness and preventing disease,
• social and cultural behaviour and attitudes, the relationship between the individual and the many groups of which he or she is a part (e.g. work, family, society),
• the role and impact of psychological factors on performances at work, recreation and sport.