essay on becoming a psychologist

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Why I Study Psychology (10 Essays)

Why I Study Psychology  is a collection of short essays. Each student explains their motivation for choosing psychology.

Psychology students are often motivated by personal experiences and a wish for healthier, happier communities. The essays demonstrate the value from having a vision for your career – whether it’s detailed or “big picture” – before you start a  psychology degree . Having a long-term goal in mind offers a reliable source of study motivation.

Why I Chose Psychology Essays

As part of a national essay competition, current and future psychology students were asked to explain their study motivation. Each student describes in 250 words or less (a) why I chose psychology as a major and (b) how I’m motivated to succeed at psychology studies. The best, most inspiring essays are published here.

1. Motivation

We all know that there will almost always be something to do that sounds much more appealing than our studies, so why do we study if there is something better? Motivation, that’s why. Everyone has their own motivating factor that keeps them in line with studying. Mine is pretty general and that is my future.

I have dreams of becoming a psychologist and helping people throughout my life. I also have a huge passion for American Sign Language. I plan to merge these two goals into one for  my future career . I don’t want to be just any psychologist, I want to be a psychologist that is open to Deaf people and hearing people alike.  I want Deaf people to feel comfortable coming to me without the need of a third person interpreter who is usually a stranger . Many Deaf people feel uncomfortable visiting a psychologist because of the need for a third person. I plan to make a step towards breaking that barrier by being able to signor speak with any patient who comes to me.

With all these huge goals I know that I have to be very on top of studies and make sure I continue to stay on track and do my best. All of these reasons put together make up my ideal future and therefore my motivation to study.

~ Hannah Reis, Palomar College

2. My Dream

We live in a world filled with hurt and suffering, and a place that is not equal for all. My dream is to leverage my unique set of skills, abilities, privileges, resources, and knowledge in a way that increases equality and privilege for all (not just people with white skin). I am pursuing a degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology which combines psychology and business.

I feel most alive when I am volunteering with my family at The Christian Children’s Home of Ohio (CCHO) which is a non-profit orphanage for children. I love working with the children there, and it hurts my heart when I see them being forced to leave once they are eighteen without any further aid or support. Due to this fact, I have decided that after I get several years of work experience applying psychology principles to the business world,  I want to start my own non-profit organization that aids young adults who grew up in foster care or orphanages . Once they have turned eighteen the government will no longer provide very much aid to them; I want to supply them with the additional skills and services that they need to make it in the real world, and give them the emotional support that they may not have.

One of the main services I want to provide them is taking them to do mission work because the best way to grow as a person and gain perspective is through service and travel. When college gets hard, I hold on tight to this dream because I know my studies will help me achieve this dream.

~ Alyssa Powers, The University of Akron

3. A Catalyst for Change

The incredible transformation I have experienced in my own life from the power of the therapeutic relationship motivates me to immerse myself in my studies and move closer towards my goal of becoming a psychologist. Recognizing how the quality of my own life has been profoundly enhanced by self-reflection, the invaluable lesson of how to learn from suffering, and coming to a deeper understanding of who I am, encourages me to try and be a catalyst for this kind of change in other’s lives. I’m motivated to empower people to feel confident enough in who they are that they don’t feel the need to bring others down.

When life as a student feels exceptionally challenging, I remind myself of the impact that the work I wish to practice has on people’s lives and those around them. I strongly believe large scale change happens on the individual level first, and if we want to see a world where we value the earth and all the people living on it, we have to do the work with ourselves first.  I want to help people in their transformation towards becoming more unconditionally loving, tolerant, and compassionate people . I think when people are more comfortable with, and accepting of, who they are, they are consequently kinder and more loving towards those around them. Encouraging this kind of growth first on an individual level, and ultimately on a global level, motivates me to not only get through, but thrive within my program.

~ Hannah Freund, California Institute of Integral Studies

4. Reshaping Mental Health

People who are given psychiatric diagnoses experience some of the worst prejudice and discrimination. They are more likely to be the victims of violence, have a harder time securing jobs and housing, and constantly come face-to-face with the harmful stereotypes that state that these individuals are violent and unpredictable. As such, much research needs to be done to understand the cause of such distress, as well as to develop effective interventions and achieve healthy minds.

Our current mental health paradigm positions mental distress as biological in origin and best treated with medical interventions. However this paradigm has conversely led to an increase in stigma and an increase in the number of people on disability for mental health related reasons. I was one of the fortunate few who was able to pursue a college degree despite being given a severe diagnosis and a hopeless prognosis. However, I know that much of my success has been due to luck and privilege, and  the opportunities that I have been afforded are an exception, not a rule. I am striving to change that.

It is my hope that, through increased research and advocacy, society can come to understand that extreme distress is often a message about something that is wrong in a person’s world, and as such, is profoundly meaningful and can be understood. Furthermore, by understanding the psychosocial origins of distress – trauma, poverty, inequality, etc. – we can refocus upstream and create policies that protect against these stressors in the first place.

~ name withheld, Mount Holyoke College

5. C’s Get Degrees

It is said that “C’s get degrees”, but that isn’t enough for me. C’s show an average amount of work, an average amount of time, an average amount of effort. “Average” is not something that I want to be known as. I want to be known as the girl who kept moving forward, went above and beyond, and never looked back. My driving force is making my family proud and reaching my ultimate goal—becoming a school psychologist.

I am the very first in my family to attend college. Every time the topic of school or my future is mentioned, I can see on their faces that they are overwhelmed with pride. When I received my Associate’s degree, seeing my grandpa cry made me realize how special my academic journey is to them. They have given up so much and have supported me in every way, making them proud is the very least I could do in return.

Becoming a school psychologist has been my dream career since I was in middle school.  The thought of being able to connect and help a child grow both academically and socially is the greatest reward I could ever receive . Every time I am procrastinating typing a paper, not studying when I know I should have, or wanting to give up on a difficult problem, I think about my end goal. Making a difference to even just one child with make all of school worth it.

~ Haleigh Cordeiro, California Polytechnic State University

6. Find Your Unconscious

Psychologists have discovered reasons, stages, and correlations among our biopsychosocial make-up. Over the centuries, they have managed to explain why humans experience what occurs in everyday life. They provide answers when we have questions about ourselves; it is for this reason that I strive to major in psychology.

I believe that I can make people in my environment, as well as myself, healthier by providing some sense of clarity whenever life situations become foggy. My dream is to someday become a successful industrial-psychologist. Why not a clinical psychologist? Working one-on-one with individuals who are struggling would definitely bring me pleasure. However,  I believe that I would have a greater impact within my society by helping larger groups . This dream of mine to become an industrial-psychologist would allow me to make the environment of common day people the most comfortable and enjoyable one.

Through the study of psychology, I will be able to know what qualities are the most necessary to enrich the daily lives of people and ensure that I apply them to my work. What drives me? The fact that I have seen psychologists help my family make sense of one of the most difficult things that we have gone through. Psychologists helped my sister facing anorexia nervosa deal with her disorder and helped my family become a strong support system to aid my sister’s recuperation. I want to know that I can help other people, psychology will open the doors to this dream of mine.

~ Iridian, Cal State University of Long Beach

7. My Dream

Over 22 million children in the United States do not live with their biological mother and father and reside with their grandparents. This means that 3 percent of children living in America face the same situation as me. My father and mother were teenagers when they had me, so raising a baby girl was a difficult task for them. Neither of my parents went to college either, so having me took a toll on their lives. For the both of them, college was an opportunity to better their education and be successful, but with me, that would have been harder for them. Living with my grandparents was the best option for me.

I am currently experiencing teenage life and I can understand why raising a child, when you are only a child yourself, is a daunting responsibility. I commend my parents because they choose to provide a better life for me. They wanted to prevent me from facing adversity, they shielded me from their struggles.  When I enter college, my goal is not just to pass my classes, it is to make something of myself . I know my parents would want that for me.

My dream is to work up to my doctorate and become a psychiatrist, fulfilling every opportunity and experience that comes my way. Psychiatrist  Carl Gustav Jung  once said “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become”, and through my hardship, I choose to overcome and prepare for my destiny.

~ Nina Grizzle

8. Art Therapy

My love for psychology began my junior year when I took the AP course. What was supposed to be a schedule-filling elective credit accidentally grew into a genuine fascination.  I found myself going above and beyond the curriculum purely out of curiosity . My interest in what we were discussing in class every day would often send me down long, thought-provoking paths that motivated me to hunt down explanations to the answers of questions I didn’t know I had. But once I had the answers, they seemed to be demanding further explanation, and I was always more than happy to oblige.

With my future education in this field, I hope to further develop new methods of art therapy that will aid those suffering from different mental disorders and cognitive declines. I feel that experimenting with the effects that art has on people’s brain chemistry will open up a new type of therapy that can be clinically prescribed. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness,  approximately 52.9 million  adults in the United States suffer from mental illnesses. This new form of therapy could possibly improve the mental state of the millions of people impacted while inspiring the creation of art.

~ Taylor Himes, University of Texas San Antonio

9. If You Put Your Mind To It

For as long as I can remember, I knew that I wanted to make a difference in the world. I knew that the first step was to attend an accredited university, and that university happens to be Michigan State. I went into college with the dream of becoming a doctor, however, I had a change of heart.

At the beginning of my freshmen year, the unthinkable happened. My dad committed suicide. My world came crashing down. It was a complete shock. My dad always kept all his feelings masked. I never knew what he was going through, and everyday I regret not paying closer attention. Not a day goes by where I don’t think about him. If only I had known. I could’ve done something. That experience then motivated me to change my major to psychology.

I always wanted to make a difference, and now I know just how I am going to be able to accomplish that dream. I want to help people who are going through what my dad endured.  I want to be there for them, to help them overcome their inner demons. I want to let them know that their lives are worth living.  Losing a family member to suicide is one of the most detrimental events that anyone can ever endure, and if I can one day prevent someone from experiencing that, then I would have accomplished my goal; I will make a difference.

~ Kayla Harper, Michigan State University

10. Motivated by God to Help Others

I’ve heard from so many different people how difficult college can be. Late nights, big tests, difficult and early classes, that doesn’t even sound like fun. The only thing that keeps me moving towards college is the idea of being able to help other people when I graduate.

In December of 2016 I travelled halfway around the world to the Philippines. While I was there I met 15 wonderful children with horrible backgrounds. The love these children missed out on for so many years is heartbreaking. My future goal is to study Psychology and Religion at  Liberty University .

The dream that keeps me motivated to go back to school is the idea that I could help so many people , not just children, but anyone who needs someone willing to listen and talk about their problems. People need more people to care and who want to listen. If people would feel the love that God made for them this world would be a much better place.

~ Trinity Rake, Liberty University

How Long Does It Take to Get a Psychology Degree?

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This Is How And Why I Became A Psychologist

Like many therapists, I’ve always been intrigued by human behavior and I’ve always enjoyed helping others. From an early age, I was captivated by this question:

How do we become who we are?

This type of existential query is one that therapists like me are always trying to answer. 

My mom wanted me to go to medical school or pharmacy school, but I knew that wasn’t my true calling. As a teenager, I had seen enough episodes of “ER” to know that most doctors are math and science superstars. My superpower, on the other hand, was decoding people’s feelings. 

While some kids are lauded for their athleticism or musical abilities, I was praised for my good listening skills, intuition, and empathy. “You’re so insightful!” my 8th-grade teacher told me. When I was in high school, my best friend called me a “feeling psychic.” Psychology seemed like a field that welcomed my strengths: empathy and interpersonal skills. 

In addition, my family never had very much money, and I wanted a job that would provide: 

• High earning potential
• Financial stability
• Flexibility
• Job opportunities

In college, I took my first psychology class. I was hooked! I loved learning about various aspects of behavior, such as attachment theory, classical conditioning, etc. During my first semester of college, I began helping two professors with their research because I knew I wanted to pursue graduate school. 

When Did You Decide You Wanted To Become A Psychologist?

After my first semester of college, I was in love with psychology! I also wanted to get a sense of how psychologists help people, so I started seeing a therapist. I told my therapist about my parent’s high conflict divorce, college stress, and my tumultuous relationship with my boyfriend. 

While many people assume psychologists are advice-givers, that’s far from the truth. My therapist commented on my feelings and made interpretations, such as, “You had a lot of strife in your home, and because of this, I think you have a high tolerance for conflict. This might be why you don’t stand up to your boyfriend.” 

Therapy gave me new insight into my thoughts and behaviors, which fostered empowerment and self-growth. After my positive experience, I knew I wanted to help people in similar ways. 

What Does A Psychologist Do? 

When you think of a psychologist, you may picture Lucy from the Peanuts or Dr. Orna Guralnik from the Showtime series “Couples Therapy.” However, not all psychologists practice psychotherapy. 

Psychologists can also:

• Teach and conduct research 
• Perform psychological testing and neuropsychological evaluations
• Supervise therapists
• Consult with businesses 
• Conduct forensic evaluations for court cases
• Work in a school setting 

What Is A Typical Day in the Life of a Psychologist Like? 

I have my own private practice, which means I run my own business. I block off a couple of hours each morning to complete administrative tasks, such as answering emails, interviewing prospective new patients, and sending out invoices.

Then, I start my clinical day. I see 4 to 5 patients each day. Before each session, I review my notes from the patient’s previous session and review the patient’s therapy goals. If I’m working with someone new, I look over their intake information before our first session. 

I tailor therapy to meet each patient’s needs, which means each session looks a little different. I’m familiar with several types of therapy, including: 

• Psychodynamic therapy
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Mindfulness-based therapy

Some patients want to explore their family dynamics, while others want tools to cope with anxious thoughts or symptoms of depression. Amid the pandemic, many patients want someone to validate their pain and empathize with their anguish. 

I also supervise therapists in training and early-career psychologists who want to sharpen their counseling skills. With my supervisees, we review one of their patient’s therapy sessions and develop a case formulation and treatment plan. I also run a support group for new moms and lead webinars for schools and corporations. 

In addition to my clinical work, I devote time to writing projects. As a psychologist, I write a lot about mental health. I’m usually working on a story that highlights new research that can benefit the general public. For instance, I recently co-authored a story for the  Washington Post  about creativity and how it helps tweens develop their problem-solving skills. I also wrote a story about financial infidelity for InStyle magazine. 

Some psychologists write for scholarly journals, but you don’t need to be a scientist to combine psychology with writing. There are plenty of opportunities to write for newspapers, blogs, and magazines. Overall, I love wearing various professional hats. In my opinion, there are myriad ways psychologists can share mental health information and help others. 

What Unique Skills Do Psychologists Need?

Psychologists need good listening skills, empathy, and intuition. The ability to receive feedback is also a must. In addition, most successful therapists can embrace the unknown and approach problem-solving in novel ways. They are also self-reflective and don’t shy away from continuing their own self-care. 

Many psychologists, myself included, also see a psychologist regularly. Our work is intense, and processing our own feelings is essential for our well-being. 

Psychologists who conduct psychological testing are incredibly astute at details and have strong writing skills. If you’re a professor, you need a solid background in research design and statistics. 

How Did You Become A Psychologist?

If you’re considering  graduate school , it’s important to know that good grades aren’t enough to get into a graduate program. Most programs look at your 

• GRE (graduate record examination) scores
• Research experience
• Volunteer/work experience
• Letters of recommendation from professors 

In college, I majored in psychology and helped two professors with their research. I also completed an honors thesis, volunteered at a psychiatric hospital, and worked at a residential treatment center for youth. 

During my senior year, I took the GRE, but my scores weren’t high enough to get into a doctoral program right away. I decided to pursue my  master’s degree in counseling , which takes two years to complete. You  can  become a licensed counselor or therapist with a master’s degree! You don’t need a doctorate to practice psychotherapy. However, unless you open your own private practice, the salary for a master’s level therapist is lower than it is for psychologists. 

After completing my master’s degree, I taught at a community college for one year. I really enjoyed teaching and interacting with college students. My master’s degree and additional work experience made me a stronger applicant, so I reapplied to doctoral programs in counseling psychology. 

Doctoral ( either PhD or PsyD ) programs in clinical and counseling psychology include three years of coursework, one year of internship, one year of a postdoctoral fellowship, and a dissertation. My doctoral program allowed me to further develop my therapy skills, conduct research, and decide which career path I wanted to pursue. I completed my internship and post-doctoral fellowship at the University of California, Berkeley. 

After graduation, I was a staff psychologist at the  University of California, Berkeley  student health center. After I left UC Berkeley, I worked with medical students for a couple of years. When my daughter was born, I decided to focus on private practice, and I’ve worked in private practice for over a decade. 

What Is One Thing You Wish You Knew Before You Started Your Psychology Degree?

I wish I had known how long it takes to pay off student loans! I graduated in 2004, and I’m still paying off piles of debt! I also wish someone had taught me how to run a small business! In private practice, you’re running your own business, which takes more than therapy skills. You need to market your practice and network with colleagues, mental health organizations, and hospitals for patient referrals. 

I also wish I knew how isolating private practice can be. For instance, if an emergency arises (i.e., a patient needs to be hospitalized), you’re entirely on your own. Therefore, it’s essential to have a solid group of colleagues you can turn to. Clinical work can be overwhelming at times, and it’s helpful to debrief at the end of a hard day. 

What Is The Most Rewarding Thing About Being A Psychologist?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of my job is witnessing people’s stories. It takes tremendous courage to tell a therapist your darkest secrets and trust someone to help you with your pain. I don’t take this lightly. I often tell my patients that I’m honored to work with them. 

Patient-therapist relationships are deeply intimate, and I learn as much from my patients as they learn from me. It’s rewarding to see people grow and change. However, I never take credit for their success. I see therapy as a journey. I may be the guide, but the patient takes their own steps and is responsible for their healing. 

What Advice Would You Give Prospective Psychology Students?

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Career Goals — The Importance of Mental Health: Why I Want to be a Psychologist

The Importance of Mental Health: Why I Want to Be a Psychologist

• Categories: Academic Interests Career Goals

About this sample

Words: 732 |

Published: Apr 2, 2020

Words: 732 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Works Cited:

• Carine McCandless. (1999). The Wild Truth. HarperOne.
• Krakauer, J. (1996). Into the Wild. Anchor Books.
• Krakauer, J. (2007). Into the Wild (Movie Tie-in Edition). Anchor Books.
• Krakauer, J. (2015). Missoula: Rape and the Justice System in a College Town. Anchor Books.
• Krakauer, J. (2019). Classic Krakauer: Essays on Wilderness and Risk. Anchor Books.
• Thoreau, H. D. (1854). Walden, Or Life In The Woods. Ticknor and Fields.
• Tolstoy, L. (1889). Family Happiness. Nordbok.
• Tolstoy, L. (2013). The Kingdom of God Is Within You. Dover Publications.
• Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. (2007). Into the Wild [Motion Picture].
• Woodworth, M. (Ed.). (2017). The Philosophy of John Krakauer. University Press of Kentucky.

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University of Bridgeport News

What Does a Psychologist Do?

In the world of mental health, psychology stands as an immensely diverse and vital field. Psychology allows us to find meaning in the intricate workings of our minds and explore the complexities of thought, emotion, and behavior.

This article will illuminate the multifaceted roles psychologists play and outline the educational journey to becoming one. From private practice to community outreach, psychologists employ their expertise to address a wide variety of mental health issues and promote holistic wellness.

What is a psychologist?

You may have asked yourself: What is a psychologist? Well, psychologists are professionals who explore and discover the inner workings of the mind. By uncovering the intricacies of cognitive, emotional, and social processes, psychologists gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of human behavior.

But a psychologist’s role goes beyond mere observation. They play a crucial part in addressing mental health concerns and promoting the well-being of their clients.

The importance of the profession is emphasized in the array of options available to psychologists. Whether working directly with clients or advocating for systemic change, psychologists play a crucial role in shaping the landscape of mental health care and community health.

What do psychologists do?

The field of psychology offers practitioners many opportunities to apply their expertise and make a meaningful impact. Each type of psychology work provides unique challenges and opportunities for professional growth and service.

Whether providing individual therapy sessions in private practice or implementing intervention programs in educational settings, psychologists contribute to fostering resilience, healing, and personal growth in individuals and communities alike.

So, what do psychologists do? Below, we’ve listed some common practices so you can learn more about a few popular places in the workforce for a graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology .

• Collaborative endeavors in group practice: This practice involves working alongside other mental health professionals as you contribute to comprehensive treatment plans and interventions
• Community engagement in health centers and clinics: Here, psychologists play a pivotal role in making mental health care accessible to underserved populations, advocating for equitable access to resources and support services
• Educational support in schools: Within educational settings, psychologists play a vital role in supporting students’ mental health and success. Through counseling, assessment, and intervention programs, they create a nurturing environment conducive to learning and growth
• Psychotherapy in private practice: This work is most commonly associated with psychologists. It is where they offer personalized counseling and therapy sessions tailored to individual needs, providing a safe space for introspection, healing, and personal growth

Becoming a psychologist

Embarking on the journey to becoming a psychologist is a path filled with intellectual discovery, personal growth, professional development, and a BS in Psychology.

It involves a structured educational trajectory and a commitment to lifelong learning and advancement in the field of psychology.

Here’s a closer look at the steps involved in realizing this rewarding career:

Considering a career in psychology? Download our FREE guide to earning your BS in Psychology today!

Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Getting a BS in Psychology serves as the foundational cornerstone for aspiring psychologists. Course content provides a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, psychological theories, and research methodologies.

Areas such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and abnormal psychology allow students to gain insight into the many facets of the human experience and behavior.

Advancing to higher degrees

Pursuing advanced degrees, such as a master’s and Doctorate in Psychology, is the most natural progression for those committed to a career in psychology.

A master’s degree offers specialized training in clinical psychology, counseling, or industrial-organizational psychology, allowing students to develop their knowledge in whichever field they please.

A Doctorate in Psychology, typically a Ph.D. or Psy.D., provides advanced training in research, clinical practice, and academic scholarship. It provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to conduct independent research, engage in clinical practice, or pursue academic careers.

Obtaining licensure and continuing education

Licensure is a crucial step for psychologists who are ready to practice, ensuring that practitioners meet the highest standards of competency and ethical practice.

Requirements for licensure vary by state and typically include completing a doctoral degree, accumulating supervised clinical experience, and passing licensure examinations.

Additionally, psychologists committed to ongoing professional development typically participate in continuing education programs, workshops, and conferences to stay current on the latest research findings, therapeutic modalities, and ethical standards.

Getting your Bachelor of Science in Psychology at UB

University of Bridgeport’s Psychology program offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach.

The program’s structure and curriculum encompass various fields, including neuroscience, social psychology, and clinical psychology. So we are ready to accommodate anyone’s needs.

Our students can access many hands-on learning experiences, including laboratory research projects, fieldwork opportunities, and internships with community organizations or mental health facilities.

Through these experiences, students develop practical research skills, pass clinical assessments, and learn intervention techniques, preparing them for a fulfilling career in psychology. As you consider your future career path, we encourage you to explore psychology and the opportunities it holds.

Take the first step toward your aspirations and consider a bachelor’s degree in Psychology at University of Bridgeport. Apply today and embark on a journey of discovery and impact.

I Want to be Psychologist in the Future

How it works

With the development of the modern economy and other aspects, people’s minds will be more prone to stress, and more likely to suffer from mental illness or have light or heavy psychological problems. In the future, psychologists will become daily life. The profession that is essential in life, so psychology is more likely to be widely used in the future. This is also my reason to chose psychology as my major. This is not just a science, but a tool that can heal people’s minds.

Compared with other European and American countries, China’s psychological consulting industry is relatively imperfect, but in the future, this industry will be well developed in China, because the Chinese have much more pressure than Europeans and Americans, so more domestic or psychology students who will return to China and build psychological counseling for Chinese.

Psychology is a new subject in China. People don’t know much about this profession, which limits the scope of employment to a certain extent. However, due to the relatively small number of students attending, the employment prospects are still relatively optimistic. After more and more people know about psychology, the future employment of psychology masters is mainly concentrated in quite a few aspects, which provides me a certain number of places to use my knowledge, and shows a bright future of this major in China.

First, colleges and universities, this is the main destination after the graduation of psychology graduate students. The same as the United States, in China, colleges and universities have paid more and more attention to students’ mental health problems. In the future, there will be more public coursed and required courses in psychology. This undoubtedly will expand the employment aspect of psychology graduate students. One of the best career directions for a master’s degree in psychology will become a psychology teacher in the Department of Psychology and the Department of Education. It will help people understand and solve their mental health problems as soon as possible before they truly enter society. Even when psychology graduate students are more competitive than other professional students in the job of recruiting counselors, the future of psychology is clear and optimistic.

If people don’t get good mental help earlier, then they make mistakes, will they get it future. Yes! Which come to my second kind of future of psychology in China.

Civil servants. The recruitment of psychology graduate students as civil servants will be generally the public security system: The Public Security, Bureau, labor camps, prisons, border checkpoints, etc. will be all possible places. Someone may ask why they will need psychology in prisons. Because according to psychology knowledge, an individual’s personality can be formed by nature and nurture. Psychologists can use the knowledge of psychology to understand how prisoners change from good people to bad people step by step and will also help them to understand the impact of the psychological activity. There will be schools in prisons for prisoners to learn psychology, if they do it well, they will have a chance to reduce the penalty. When they understand the meaning of nature vs. nurture, they will find their confidence and positive power back. After the release, they will not always count them as a bad person, they will have the motivation to change and help others who will or are thinking about committing a crime. There is a famous slang in Chinese, “Man on Earth, Good at Birth” (Mencius, Three Character Canon / San Tzu Ching). Punishment is required, and education will also be essential for them to reform evils.

Can Psychology link with other majors in the future? But not always live as a mysterious and lonely subject? Yes! Let’s work together with business. “Knowing ourselves and knowing each other will help us to win each competition” (Sun-Tzu, The Art of War, Plan of Attack Articles). Business is another version of the competition. And the way using psychology will be an essential part of a competition. Which come to my third kind of future of psychology in China.

HR, Human Resources Management. It is a subject that is planned in the business department. However, it is about human resources, so it will need psychology’s help. Psychology students advocate humanized management and complement human resources, management students. According to the article on The Balance Careers, HR has an internal element – quality management. Mainly refers to the use of modern scientific methods to effectively manage people’s thoughts and behavior (including the coordination, control, and management of individual and group thinking), giving full play to people’s subjective initiative to achieve Organizational goals (Heathfield, 2018). Psychological knowledge will be the “modern scientific method” in the future and will be the only one because psychology is the tool to understand people’s thoughts and behavior. My older sister’s friend is an HR, she said it was hard sometimes that she needed to learn employers’ behavior which links with their working ability or working area. In the future, this problem will be solved because of the inevitable development of Psychology in China.

Although Psychology knowledge not valued before in China, it will in the future. There will be so many areas for people who love psychology to show their abilities and the magic of psychology. The three areas I suspect will not be the only ones, because psychology has many different types by itself. After we explore more possibilities about psychology while we are learning it, we will find more spots for it, also for people who love psychology, like me.  

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Becoming a Psychologist Essay Example

Psychology, according to Lisa Cohen, is the “systematic study of mind and behavior” (1). This branch of Social Science has so much diversity when choosing a field that it may be overwhelming, to say the least. Psychologists can choose from working as clinicians, teachers, consultants, authors, evaluators, and the list goes on (Cohen 1). The field of psychology a person pursues will dictate their training, education, and salary that will come with the profession. Some people get confused with the difference between a psychologist and psychiatrist, as both “can diagnose and evaluate mental illness” (Cohen 2). The main difference is that psychologists do not prescribe medication and their highest degree is a Ph.D., whereas psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed medical school with an M.D. after their name. To know whether one should pursue the field of psychology, research is required in what type of education, training, licensing, and desired traits are needed, and the expected salary, job outlook, and alternative career choices. 

Education should be the first topic because there are quite a few factors that decide on how much education is required. Describing how long it takes to become a psychologist depends on what specialty field someone wants to pursue (Cherry). If one wants to be a clinical psychologist who diagnoses people with mental or emotional disorders and treat them accordingly, then just getting a bachelor's degree will not be enough (“Clinical Psychologist”). This field requires not only a bachelor's degree but an additional four to seven years to get a doctorate (Ph.D.).

Once a graduate degree is obtained, one must also pass a state licensing exam to practice in their home state. Another field of study that has gained popularity recently is an environmental psychologist, who often observe and research how the physical environment affects people’s mood or work environment. This field requires a master's degree in addition to a bachelor's and will take another two to three years of study; however, the nice thing is that a Ph.D. is usually not necessary (Cherry). A third field of study in psychology and where someone can make the big bucks is an industrial-organizational psychologist, who works with Human Resource departments to provide employee testing, training, and development (“Industrial-Organizational Psychologist”). These psychologists need at least a master's degree, but a Ph.D. is preferred. There are many other specialty fields in psychology to research, such as, forensics, educational, or social psychology which all require similar education but have different salary ranges.

Next on the agenda and probably most important when considering the psychology field is salary and job outlook. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, “psychology graduates had the lowest starting pay of any field ($30,000)”, with the median salary of $72,580 in 2015 (Cherry). Clinical psychologist job opportunities have a bright outlook for the future with salaries ranging from $44,040 to $129,310, depending on what part of the country one resides (“Clinical Psychologist”).

An industrial-organizational psychologist, as previously mentioned make the big bucks, so if money is important then this is the job to pursue. These psychologists make anywhere from $52,350 to $192,150, with the average being $97,260 (“Industrial-Organizational Psychologist”). According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the demand for the psychological profession is expected to rise by 19% through 2024, which is “faster than the average for all other professions” (Cherry). Specialty fields, such as environmental, school, forensics, and industrial-organizational psychologists are also expected to be in high demand in the next decade. 

When considering a career in psychology, one must realize the skills and traits necessary for this profession as well as what is expected on the job. Some basic skills and abilities include communicating with others, listening without interrupting, solving problems, and helping people understand their reactions to emotional situations (“Clinical Psychology”). On the job, a psychologist should expect to diagnose emotional, psychological, or behavioral disorders and be able to use that information to conduct tests and provide the right treatment for their patient.

They should also be able to conduct research in the field and report their findings, such as, why people choose to recycle, or finding solutions to pollution or climate change. This will definitely depend on which specialty field of psychology they choose (“Career in Climate and Environmental Psychology”). Examples of places where a psychologist might work are mental health facilities, prisons, schools, government offices, or private practice (Cherry). One should be prepared for all types of environments when considering a career in psychology. 

Some psychologists, after being in the profession for several years may decide to step outside the psychology world and look for an alternative career. This should be considered as an option while studying in college. Not only should one take the required classes to become a psychologist, but they may want to take classes that broaden their options for the future. Examples of these classes include foreign languages, business management, public health, or a computer technology class (Hassan). They may want to volunteer for a non-profit organization, or “seek out internships at local businesses” during college to expand their education (Hassan). These examples can give someone more options in furthering their career or having something to fall back on if the psychology field ends up not working out for them. 

Becoming a psychologist requires extensive research in education, training, licensing, and traits needed in the field, as well as what salary to expect, job outlook, and being prepared for an alternate career if necessary. A psychology career has great diversity so planning early, such as, during undergraduate study for a specialty field is important (Cherry). Doing the research now will save significant time and money in the future and allow someone to focus in graduate school on their field of study. The more research someone does, the better they will be prepared for all aspects that arise when deciding on their future career in psychology.

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Becoming a Clinical Psychologist Essay Example

• Pages: 5 (1373 words)
• Published: March 2, 2017
• Type: Essay

The career field that I am interested in pursuing is clinical psychology. There are many reasons why I want to follow this career, but none of them are storied really. The actual reason I want to become a clinical psychologist is within my own mind, and my own life story; no one event will tell why I am so interested. Ever since I was young, I loved to know why and what makes things work, everyone knows that about me in my family. When I was little and my parents bought me toys, I would take apart all of the pieces and put them in a box, which I labeled ‘resources’.

And ever since I was young, no one was there for me, and no one gave me the attention I needed, and as a result I grew into an independent mind,

and I grew up trying to understand how the world works. I decided what better project is there, than trying to figure out what makes us humans work, and why life has been so difficult for me, and why no one was there for me. It just so happens that psychology brings all of these elements I have stored in my head, and brings them together in a proactive. I want to give people the chance I never had, that is my goal in life, and that’s why I want to help people who don’t have anyone there.

I already know briefly about clinical psychology before researching it, but I really haven’t really ever taken the time to make a detailed look into it. Basically, I want to learn anything and everything about this career

field that there is to know. I also want to know things from the inside, and what this career is really like, and not just a front. That’s probably my curious nature playing again, but I’m sure it will only help me to learn much more about this career. While beginning my research, I started with an interview from a professional in the field.

I found him through my father (they were friends and served together in the military) and he was more than happy to do this interview with me. So, I e-mailed him a few questions about the field. His name is Norman Jones who is currently serving in Iraq as a psychologist on base to help soldiers get through stress of war. Previously, he had worked in a private clinical setting which is just the profession I’m researching on. Before this, I wanted to learn about the insiders of the field that you don’t learn in the books or other sources.

This was the perfect chance I thought, to get some real, surprising information. It was definitely what I wanted it to turn out to be. After my interview with him through e-mail, I learned a lot of inside things that I thought were important. I learned about 34% of psychologists are self-employed. I also learned that clinical psychology is just a grain of sand in the countless number of jobs you can pursue with psychology. I think this is surprising only because I’m not used to a degree having so many different fields available to it.

Finally, the most important thing I think I learned with this interview was that the interviewee told me

that if I wanted to make it in this career field, you have to want to help people genuinely from the heart; you can’t expect to be anything special without that characteristic. He just seemed to baffle me because I didn’t expect someone who didn’t even know me to get so worked up and passionate about the interview. That was great, but I still had a long ways to go in this research, I still needed to know about the educational aspect, and I also needed to be sure of this field and give myself another support source to read on.

I went to look for colleges next. I wanted to know what schools had good programs, or a program that would be suitable for me at the least. I came upon Eastern Michigan University. They focus on the behavioral and environmental approaches to psychology, which is the focus I put myself in. Aside from that, I learned a whole lot about how hard it would be to get where I wanted to go with this career. I looked under the “programs” tab under their websites page. There, they had a whole list of majors that a full-time student could have.

I clicked on “Psychology Major” where I found all the info I needed to know about getting a degree in psychology. There I found out how many credits I would need to gain a Ps. Y. D in psychology. The number was staggering; I will need 178 credit hours to earn a Doctorate. I also learned that they have professors who specialize in the areas in which I am most interested in learning about psychology. This

is the most significant thing to me, since I will have the opportunity to learn what I want to in great depth. These along with other smaller things I learned.

I got pretty much all I wanted to learn about the educational aspect of clinical psychology. I still had a couple things to learn about this career, from a perspective different from my interviewee’s. It may not have been as good as the interview, but still it would be a good, formal source. So, I went to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, to find an article on clinical psychology, hoping I could find something out. When I opened the web page I typed into the search engine, ‘clinical psychology’ and it brought up a whole list of articles on psychology.

It took me a while to find an article that had good content and was of use to me. But, eventually, I did find one and I learned some more I didn’t think I was going to learn. One thing I learned that was pretty good was the average work hours and the average pay. I learned that on average, an experienced clinical psychologist will make anywhere from 80,000 to 120,000 dollars a year. I also read that the minimal amount of hours a psychologist will work to have a well-built career, which is around 40 to 60 hours a week.

Lastly, I read about the laws and regulations of being a clinical psychologist, which was the most important part to me. I read about many different laws and one for example was that it is against the law to release any information about your patients unless required

by the court, or requested and agreed upon by both the patient and the guardians. (If your patient happens to be a minor. ) After reading this article and getting some good information on it, I think that it only helped my liking for this career field.

When I was done researching this paper and I sat down to think about what I’ve come away with. When I sat down originally to write this research paper, I wasn’t all that thrilled, I can’t lie about that. Although, when I got to writing, I began to start thinking about the career, and what it means to me. I remembered that the reasons why I wanted to get into this career were much larger than the paper itself. So I learned a lesson from this paper, I learned that you have to fill the holes within, to find purpose. You need to open your mind and soul.

That’s the best thing that I learned. I don’t have that many questions left over after my research. Really, this career search explained itself to me, step-by-step. My plan is to graduate from high-school, and go to Schoolcraft Community College. After I complete my pre-required classes there, I will transfer to Eastern Michigan University. There I will major in clinical psychology and go for Ph. D. Maybe I’ll publish a story one day too, but that’s on another note. I hope to accomplish all of my aspirations in life after researching this field of work.

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The Psychology of Short-Form Content: Why We Love Bite-Sized Videos

Updated: April 10, 2024

Published: April 09, 2024

Let me tell you the most challenging part of my job. Often, I will delete TikTok and Instagram from my phone because I can't help but waste time endlessly scrolling through these apps, watching dozens of short-form videos in one sitting.

Then, like clockwork, I redownload these apps because I must write about them for work. Thus, the cycle of endless scrolling continues.

Sure, I could blame the nature of the job, but my endless scrolling stems from the fact that I love short-form videos.

And I'm not the only one. 73% of consumers prefer to watch short-form videos to learn about a product or service, and 56% of marketers reported that short-form video was the top trend they planned to invest in in 2024.

So, why are short-form videos so popular? Turns out there are a few reasons, one of which involved a bit of psychology. Let's get into it!

What are short-form videos?

Why are short-form videos so popular.

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Short-form videos are videos that are less than 60 seconds in duration. However, some marketers and content creators agree that short-form videos can be up to 3 minutes. But, if you want my opinion, I would stick to the 60-second rule.

I take this stance because attention spans are getting shorter, but we'll get into that later.

Anyway, short-form videos deliver information in a digestible, bite-size format so viewers can quickly watch and bookmark the content if they're on the go or watch it multiple times.

There are a few reasons short-form videos are more popular than ever among consumers and marketers, and I‘ll visit those in a bit. For now, I want to get into the psychology of it all—that’s why we're here, right? Walk with me.

Consumer Attention Spans are Shrinking

Science tells us that one of the crucial reasons we love short-form videos is that our attention spans are getting shorter and shorter.

Dr. Gloria Mark, a psychologist, recently wrote a book called Attention Span: A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness, and Productivity , and she says her research indicates people's attention spans have been shrinking over the last 20 years.

Dr. Mark shared her findings on Speaking of Psychology , an American Psychological Association podcast.

Her findings came from a decades-long experiment she participated in, which was first conducted by shadowing participants and tracking their activities via stopwatches.

“We would record the start time and the stop time,” she said.

She explains, “So you're on a screen where you're working in a Word doc. As soon as you get to that screen, we click start time. As soon as they turned away and checked the email, we clicked stop time for the Word document and start time for the email.”

Over time, logging techniques became more sophisticated as technology advanced, and it only made the pattern of shrinking attention spans clearer.

“So back in 2004, we found the average attention span on any screen to be two and a half minutes on average,” Dr. Mark recalls during the interview. “Throughout the years, it became shorter. So around 2012, we found it to be 75 seconds.”

Dr. Mark says the number continued to dip as the years went on.

“And then in the last five, six years, we found it to average about 47 seconds—and others have replicated this result within a few seconds. So it seems to be quite robust,” she says.

And this trend of dwindling attention spans is affecting how we consume content. And I'm not just talking about social media videos — even television and film shots are getting more brief, according to Dr. Mark.

“They started out much longer. They now average about four seconds a shot length,” she says. “If you watch MTV music videos, they're much shorter. They're only a couple of seconds. So we've become accustomed to seeing very fast shot lengths when we look at TV and film.”

Dr. Mark explains during the interview that it‘s a chicken vs. egg situation — she’s unsure which came first or what's influencing the other.

However, the fact remains that we‘re becoming more accustomed to shorter bursts of content, and it’s bleeding into the kind of content we consume and what's being created.

Studies found that most consumers will only watch an entire video if it's less than 60 seconds long . Then you have apps like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels that push short-form videos to users in an infinite scroll format.

Furthermore, our 2024 Marketing Trends Report found that almost a third of marketing professionals say their company will leverage short-form video content in 2024, and 53% said they'll boost their investment in the content type this year.

This makes sense since most marketers in our survey say short-form video content yielded them the highest ROI last year.

In case you're curious, here are a couple more reasons why many of us love short-form videos.

1. They are cost-effective and easier to create than long-form videos.

With long-form videos, marketers and creators must work extra hard to keep their audience engaged. That means strengthening the content with dynamic shots, mood-setting music, and a long but compelling script.

All that takes more time, effort, and (most importantly) money.

Short-form videos are more to the point and often require fewer frills to be effective.

For example, language learning platform Duo Lingo's TikTok account has over 10.8 million followers and is one of the most well-known accounts on the app due to its short, funny, and slightly unhinged videos.

Its most popular video has 57.7 million views and is super simple in terms of execution.

It shows a plushy of the Duo Lingo owl getting tossed down the stairs at the company's office, sitting outside on a rainy day, and getting soaked in a shower.

The caption of the video is “When you ignore my notifications.”

The video was clearly shot on someone's smartphone without fancy angles or lighting. The music is from a viral song already available via its sound archives. So simple, so cheap, yet so effective.

@duolingo sad g(owl) hours #duoplushie #duolingo #languagelearning #emo ♬ Rio romeo - .𝖒𝖊𝖓'🎧★

2. They can provide valuable information in a short amount of time.

According to a recent Adobe Survey , 2 in 5 Americans use TikTok as a search engine, and nearly 1 in 10 Gen Zers are more likely to rely on TikTok than Google as a search engine.

I even find myself taking to TikTok to look up recipes or figure out how to style a denim maxi-skirt (the trick is to experiment with different layers and silhouettes).

Between work, family, hobbies, and rest — time is precious, and short-form videos allow us to absorb the information we need in under a minute. Who doesn't love that?

3. You can watch them almost anytime, anywhere.

Bored on the train downtown? Scroll through TikTok. Need to kill some time in between classes or appointments? Pull up YouTube Shorts or Instagram Reels on your phone.

Want to use your 5-minute break between meetings to figure out why everyone is talking about the latest JLo documentary? Let's circle back to TikTok.

Short-form videos are easy to watch almost anywhere and anytime from our smartphones.

Not only is this convenient for consumers, but it also helps marketers because it means we can repurpose our content on various platforms knowing someone will see it from somewhere.

There are different reasons to love short-form videos.

Some reasons are a little more concerning than others (seriously, why are our attention spans so short?), but no matter the reason, the fact remains the same —short forms aren't going away anytime soon.

Don't forget to share this post!

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The Science of Siblings

Gay people often have older brothers. why and does it matter.

Selena Simmons-Duffin

Credit: Lily Padula for NPR

The Science of Siblings is a new series exploring the ways our siblings can influence us, from our money and our mental health all the way down to our very molecules. We'll be sharing these stories over the next several weeks.

This is something I learned years ago through gay bar chatter: Gay people are often the youngest kids in their families. I liked the idea right away — as a gay youngest sibling, it made me feel like there was a statistical order to things and I fit neatly into that order.

When I started to report on the science behind it, I learned it's true: There is a well-documented correlation between having older siblings (older brothers, specifically) and a person's chance of being gay. But parts of the story also struck me as strange and dark. I thought of We the Animals , Justin Torres' haunting semi-autobiographical novel about three brothers — the youngest of whom is queer — growing up in New York state. So I called Torres to get his take on the idea.

Torres' first reaction was to find it considerably less appealing than I did. This makes sense — his latest novel, Blackouts , won a National Book Award last year, and it grapples with the sinister history of how scientists have studied sexuality. "My novel is interested in the pre-Kinsey sexology studies, specifically this one called Sex Variants ," he told me. "It's really informed by eugenics. They were looking for the cause of homosexuality in the body in order to treat it or cure it or get rid of it."

That's why, when he saw my inquiry about a statistical finding that connects sexuality and birth order, he was wary. "To be frank, I find these kinds of studies that're looking for something rooted in the body to explain sexuality to be kind of bunk. I think they rely on a really binary understanding of sexuality itself," he said.

"That's fair," I conceded. But this connection between queerness and older brothers has been found so many times in so many places that one researcher told me it's "a kind of truth" in the science of sexuality.

Rooted in a dark past

The first research on this topic did indeed begin in the 1940s and '50s, during that era of investigations into what causes homosexuality, to be able to cure it. At the time, the queer people whom scientists were studying were living in a world where this facet of their identity was dangerous. Plus, the studies themselves didn't find much, says Jan Kabátek , a senior research fellow at the University of Melbourne.

"Most of it fell flat," he told me. "But there is an exception to this, and that is the finding that men, specifically, who exhibit attraction to the same sex are likely to have more older brothers than other types of siblings."

In the 1990s, this was dubbed the "fraternal birth order effect." In the years since, it has been found again and again, all over the world.

"This pattern has been documented around Canada and the United States, but it goes well beyond that," says Scott Semenyna , a psychology professor at Stetson University. "There's been now many confirmations that this pattern exists in countries like Samoa. It exists in southern Mexico. It exists in places like Turkey and Brazil."

Huge study, consistent findings

An impressive recent study established that this pattern held up in an analysis of a huge sample — over 9 million people from the Netherlands. It confirmed all those earlier studies and added a twist.

"Interestingly enough — and this is quite different from what has been done before — we also showed that the same association manifests for women," explains Kabátek, one of the study's authors. Women who were in same-sex marriages were also more likely to have older brothers than other types of siblings.

At baseline, the chance that someone will be gay is pretty small. "Somewhere around 2 to 3% — we can call it 2% just for the sake of simplicity," Semenyna says. "The fraternal birth order effect shows that you're going to run into about a 33% increase in the probability of, like, male same-sex attraction for every older brother that you have."

The effect is cumulative: The more older brothers someone has, the bigger it is. If you have one older brother, your probability of being gay nudges up to about 2.6%. "And then that probability would increase another 33% if there was a second older brother, to about 3.5%," Semenyna says.

If you have five older brothers, your chance of being gay is about 8% — so, four times the baseline probability.

The author, Selena Simmons-Duffin, at age 3, with her brother, David Simmons-Duffin, at age 5. The Simmons-Duffin family hide caption

The author, Selena Simmons-Duffin, at age 3, with her brother, David Simmons-Duffin, at age 5.

Still, even 8% is pretty small. "The vast majority of people who have a lot of older brothers are still going to come out opposite-sex attracted," Semenyna says. Also, plenty of gay people have no brothers at all, or they're the oldest in their families. Having older brothers is definitely not the only influence on a person's sexuality.

"But just the fact that we are observing effects that are so strong, relatively speaking, implies that there's a good chance that there is, at least partially, some biological mechanism that is driving these associations," Kabátek says.

A hypothesis, but no definitive mechanism

For decades, the leading candidate for that biological mechanism has been the "maternal immune hypothesis," Semenyna explains. "The basic version of this hypothesis is that when a male fetus is developing, the Y chromosome of the male produces proteins that are going to be recognized as foreign by the mother's immune system and it forms somewhat of an immune response to those proteins."

That immune response has some effect on the development of subsequent male fetuses, Semenyna says. The plausibility of this hypothesis was bolstered by a 2017 study that found "that mothers of gay sons have more of these antibodies that target these male-specific proteins than mothers of sons who are not gay or mothers who have no sons whatsoever," he says.

But now that Kabátek's study of the Dutch population has found that this pattern was present among women in same-sex marriages as well, there are new questions about whether this hypothesis is correct.

"One option is that the immune hypothesis works for both men and women," Kabátek says. "Of course, there can be also other explanations. It's for prospective research to make this clearer."

Fun to think about, but concerning too

In a way, I tell Justin Torres, this effect seems simple and fun to me. It's a concrete statistical finding, documented all over the world, and there's an intriguing hypothesis about why it may happen biologically. But darker undercurrents in all of it worry me, like raising a dangerous idea that becoming gay in the womb is the only version of gayness that is real — or a repackaged version of the old idea that mothers are to "blame."

"It is the undercurrents that worry me immensely," he responds. "I remember when I was a kid — I have this memory of watching daytime television. I must have been staying home from school sick in the late '80s or early '90s. The host polled the audience and said, 'If there was a test [during pregnancy] and you could know if your child was gay, would you abort?' I remember being so horrified and disturbed watching all those hands go up in the audience — just feeling so hated. At that young age, I knew this thing about myself, even if I wasn't ready to admit it."

Even if tolerance for queer people in American society has grown a lot since then, he says, "I think that tolerance waxes and wanes, and I worry about that line of thinking."

At the same time, he agrees that the idea of a connection with gay people being the youngest kids in their families is kind of hilarious. "One thing that pops into my mind is, like, maybe if you're just surrounded by a lot of men, you either choose or don't choose men, right?" he laughs.

Essentially, in his view, it's fun to think about, but probably not deeper than that.

"As a humanist, I just don't know why we need to look for explanations for something as complex and joyous and weird as sexuality," Torres says.

Then again, scientists are unlikely to be able to resist that mysterious, weird complexity. Even if the joy and self-expression and community and so many other parts of queerness and sexuality will always be more than statistics can explain.

More from the Science of Siblings series:

• A gunman stole his twin from him. This is what he's learned about grieving a sibling
• In the womb, a brother's hormones can shape a sister's future
• These identical twins both grew up with autism, but took very different paths
• Science of Siblings
• queer community
• homosexuality

• Share full article

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Guest Essay

What Sentencing Could Look Like if Trump Is Found Guilty

By Norman L. Eisen

Mr. Eisen is the author of “Trying Trump: A Guide to His First Election Interference Criminal Trial.”

For all the attention to and debate over the unfolding trial of Donald Trump in Manhattan, there has been surprisingly little of it paid to a key element: its possible outcome and, specifically, the prospect that a former and potentially future president could be sentenced to prison time.

The case — brought by Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, against Mr. Trump — represents the first time in our nation’s history that a former president is a defendant in a criminal trial. As such, it has generated lots of debate about the case’s legal strength and integrity, as well as its potential impact on Mr. Trump’s efforts to win back the White House.

A review of thousands of cases in New York that charged the same felony suggests something striking: If Mr. Trump is found guilty, incarceration is an actual possibility. It’s not certain, of course, but it is plausible.

Jury selection has begun, and it’s not too soon to talk about what the possibility of a sentence, including a prison sentence, would look like for Mr. Trump, for the election and for the country — including what would happen if he is re-elected.

The case focuses on alleged interference in the 2016 election, which consisted of a hush-money payment Michael Cohen, the former president’s fixer at the time, made in 2016 to a porn star, Stormy Daniels, who said she had an affair with Mr. Trump. Mr. Bragg is arguing that the cover-up cheated voters of the chance to fully assess Mr. Trump’s candidacy.

This may be the first criminal trial of a former president in American history, but if convicted, Mr. Trump’s fate is likely to be determined by the same core factors that guide the sentencing of every criminal defendant in New York State Court.

Comparable cases. The first factor is the base line against which judges measure all sentences: how other defendants have been treated for similar offenses. My research encompassed almost 10,000 cases of felony falsifying business records that have been prosecuted across the state of New York since 2015. Over a similar period, the Manhattan D.A. has charged over 400 of these cases . In roughly the first year of Mr. Bragg’s tenure, his team alone filed 166 felony counts for falsifying business records against 34 people or companies.

Contrary to claims that there will be no sentence of incarceration for falsifying business records, when a felony conviction involves serious misconduct, defendants can be sentenced to some prison time. My analysis of the most recent data indicates that approximately one in 10 cases in which the most serious charge at arraignment is falsifying business records in the first degree and in which the court ultimately imposes a sentence, results in a term of imprisonment.

To be clear, these cases generally differ from Mr. Trump’s case in one important respect: They typically involve additional charges besides just falsifying records. That clearly complicates what we might expect if Mr. Trump is convicted.

Nevertheless, there are many previous cases involving falsifying business records along with other charges where the conduct was less serious than is alleged against Mr. Trump and prison time was imposed. For instance, Richard Luthmann was accused of attempting to deceive voters — in his case, impersonating New York political figures on social media in an attempt to influence campaigns. He pleaded guilty to three counts of falsifying business records in the first degree (as well as to other charges). He received a sentence of incarceration on the felony falsification counts (although the sentence was not solely attributable to the plea).

A defendant in another case was accused of stealing in excess of $50,000 from her employer and, like in this case, falsifying one or more invoices as part of the scheme. She was indicted on a single grand larceny charge and ultimately pleaded guilty to one felony count of business record falsification for a false invoice of just under $10,000. She received 364 days in prison.

To be sure, for a typical first-time offender charged only with run-of-the-mill business record falsification, a prison sentence would be unlikely. On the other hand, Mr. Trump is being prosecuted for 34 counts of conduct that might have changed the course of American history.

Seriousness of the crime. Mr. Bragg alleges that Mr. Trump concealed critical information from voters (paying hush money to suppress an extramarital relationship) that could have harmed his campaign, particularly if it came to light after the revelation of another scandal — the “Access Hollywood” tape . If proved, that could be seen not just as unfortunate personal judgment but also, as Justice Juan Merchan has described it, an attempt “to unlawfully influence the 2016 presidential election.”

History and character. To date, Mr. Trump has been unrepentant about the events alleged in this case. There is every reason to believe that will not change even if he is convicted, and lack of remorse is a negative at sentencing. Justice Merchan’s evaluation of Mr. Trump’s history and character may also be informed by the other judgments against him, including Justice Arthur Engoron’s ruling that Mr. Trump engaged in repeated and persistent business fraud, a jury finding that he sexually abused and defamed E. Jean Carroll and a related defamation verdict by a second jury.

Justice Merchan may also weigh the fact that Mr. Trump has been repeatedly held in contempt , warned , fined and gagged by state and federal judges. That includes for statements he made that exposed witnesses, individuals in the judicial system and their families to danger. More recently, Mr. Trump made personal attacks on Justice Merchan’s daughter, resulting in an extension of the gag order in the case. He now stands accused of violating it again by commenting on witnesses.

What this all suggests is that a term of imprisonment for Mr. Trump, while far from certain for a former president, is not off the table. If he receives a sentence of incarceration, perhaps the likeliest term is six months, although he could face up to four years, particularly if Mr. Trump chooses to testify, as he said he intends to do , and the judge believes he lied on the stand . Probation is also available, as are more flexible approaches like a sentence of spending every weekend in jail for a year.

We will probably know what the judge will do within 30 to 60 days of the end of the trial, which could run into mid-June. If there is a conviction, that would mean a late summer or early fall sentencing.

Justice Merchan would have to wrestle in the middle of an election year with the potential impact of sentencing a former president and current candidate.

If Mr. Trump is sentenced to a period of incarceration, the reaction of the American public will probably be as polarized as our divided electorate itself. Yet as some polls suggest — with the caveat that we should always be cautious of polls early in the race posing hypothetical questions — many key swing state voters said they would not vote for a felon.

If Mr. Trump is convicted and then loses the presidential election, he will probably be granted bail, pending an appeal, which will take about a year. That means if any appeals are unsuccessful, he will most likely have to serve any sentence starting sometime next year. He will be sequestered with his Secret Service protection; if it is less than a year, probably in Rikers Island. His protective detail will probably be his main company, since Mr. Trump will surely be isolated from other inmates for his safety.

If Mr. Trump wins the presidential election, he can’t pardon himself because it is a state case. He will be likely to order the Justice Department to challenge his sentence, and department opinions have concluded that a sitting president could not be imprisoned, since that would prevent the president from fulfilling the constitutional duties of the office. The courts have never had to address the question, but they could well agree with the Justice Department.

So if Mr. Trump is convicted and sentenced to a period of incarceration, its ultimate significance is probably this: When the American people go to the polls in November, they will be voting on whether Mr. Trump should be held accountable for his original election interference.

What questions do you have about Trump’s Manhattan criminal trial so far?

Please submit them below. Our trial experts will respond to a selection of readers in a future piece.

Norman L. Eisen investigated the 2016 voter deception allegations as counsel for the first impeachment and trial of Donald Trump and is the author of “Trying Trump: A Guide to His First Election Interference Criminal Trial.”

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

Follow the New York Times Opinion section on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , WhatsApp , X and Threads .

Turmoil at NPR after editor rips network for political bias

The public radio network is being targeted by conservative activists over the editor’s essay, which many staffers say is misleading and inaccurate.

Uri Berliner had worked at NPR for a quarter-century when he wrote the essay that would abruptly end his tenure. On April 9, the Free Press published 3,500 words from Berliner, a senior business editor, about how the public radio network is guilty of journalistic malpractice — for conforming to a politically liberal worldview at the expense of fairness and accuracy.

“It’s true NPR has always had a liberal bent, but during most of my tenure here, an open-minded, curious culture prevailed,” Berliner wrote. “We were nerdy, but not knee-jerk, activist, or scolding. In recent years, however, that has changed.”

The essay, whose arguments were disputed by NPR management and many staffers, plunged the network into a week-long public controversy.

Last week NPR’s new CEO, Katherine Maher, indirectly referenced Berliner’s essay in a note to staff that NPR also published online. “Asking a question about whether we’re living up to our mission should always be fair game: after all, journalism is nothing if not hard questions,” she wrote. “Questioning whether our people are serving our mission with integrity, based on little more than the recognition of their identity, is profoundly disrespectful, hurtful, and demeaning.”

The drama reached a pinnacle Wednesday, when Berliner resigned while taking a shot at Maher.

In his resignation letter, Berliner called NPR “a great American institution” that should not be defunded. “I respect the integrity of my colleagues and wish for NPR to thrive and do important journalism,” he wrote in the letter, posted on his X account. “But I cannot work in a newsroom where I am disparaged by a new CEO whose divisive views confirm the very problems I cite in my Free Press essay.”

Berliner’s comments have angered many of his now-former colleagues, who dismissed as inaccurate his depiction of their workplace and who say his faulty criticisms have been weaponized against them.

Berliner’s essay is titled “ I’ve Been at NPR for 25 Years. Here’s How We Lost America’s Trust .” On its face, it seemed to confirm the worst suspicions held by NPR’s critics on the right: that the legendary media organization had an ideological, progressive agenda that dictates its journalism. The Free Press is an online publication started by journalist Bari Weiss, whose own resignation from the New York Times in 2020 was used by conservative politicians as evidence that the Times stifled certain ideas and ideologies; Weiss accused the Times of catering to a rigid, politically left-leaning worldview and of refusing to defend her against online “bullies” when she expressed views to the contrary. Berliner’s essay was accompanied by several glossy portraits and a nearly hour-long podcast interview with Weiss. He also went on NewsNation, where the host Chris Cuomo — who had been cast out from CNN for crossing ethical lines to help his governor-brother — called Berliner a “whistleblower.”

Initially, Berliner was suspended for not getting approval for doing work for another publication. NPR policy requires receiving written permission from supervisors “for all outside freelance and journalistic work,” according to the employee handbook.

An NPR spokeswoman said Wednesday that the network does not comment on personnel matters. Berliner declined The Washington Post’s request for further comment.

In an interview Tuesday with NPR’s David Folkenflik — whose work is also criticized in the Free Press essay — Berliner said “we have great journalists here. If they shed their opinions and did the great journalism they’re capable of, this would be a much more interesting and fulfilling organization for our listeners.”

Berliner’s future at NPR became an open question. NPR leaders were pressed by staff in meetings this week as to why he was still employed there. And some reporters made clear they didn’t want to be edited by Berliner anymore because they now questioned his journalistic judgment, said one prominent NPR journalist, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to preserve relationships. “How are you supposed to have honest debates about coverage if you think it’s going to be fodder for the point he’s trying to make?” the staffer said.

Berliner had written that “there’s an unspoken consensus” about stories to pursue at NPR — “of supposed racism, transphobia, signs of the climate apocalypse, Israel doing something bad, and the dire threat of Republican policies” — and that the network operated without friction, “almost like an assembly line.”

Several prominent NPR journalists countered that impression. “We have strong, heated editorial debates every day to try and get the most appropriate language and nuanced reporting in a landscape that is divisive and difficult to work in as a journalist,” Leila Fadel, host of “Morning Edition,” told The Post. “Media and free independent press are often under attack for the fact-based reporting that we do.” She called Berliner’s essay “a bad-faith effort” and a “factually inaccurate take on our work that was filled with omissions to back his arguments.”

Other staffers noted that Berliner did not seek comment from NPR for his piece. No news organization is above reproach, “Weekend Edition” host Ayesha Rascoe told The Post, but someone should not “be able to tear down an entire organization’s work without any sort of response or context provided, or pushback.” There are many legitimate critiques to make of NPR’s coverage, she added, “but the way this has been done — it’s to invalidate all the work NPR does.”

NPR is known to have a very collegial culture, and the manner in which Berliner aired his criticism — perhaps even more than the substance of it — is what upset so many of his co-workers, according to one staffer.

“Morning Edition” host Steve Inskeep, writing on his Substack on Tuesday , fact-checked or contextualized several of the arguments Berliner made. For instance: Berliner wrote that he once asked “why we keep using that word that many Hispanics hate — Latinx.” Inskeep said he searched 90 days of NPR’s content and found “Latinx” was used nine times — “usually by a guest” — compared to the nearly 400 times “Latina” and “Latino” were used.

“This article needed a better editor,” Inskeep wrote. “I don’t know who, if anyone, edited Uri’s story, but they let him publish an article that discredited itself. … A careful read of the article shows many sweeping statements for which the writer is unable to offer evidence.”

This week conservative activist Christopher Rufo — who rose to fame for targeting “critical race theory,” and whose scrutiny of Harvard President Claudine Gay preceded her resignation — set his sights on Maher, surfacing old social media posts she wrote before she joined the news organization. In one 2020 tweet, she referred to Trump as a “deranged racist.” Others posts show her wearing a Biden hat, or wistfully daydreaming about hanging out with Kamala D. Harris. Rufo has called for Maher’s resignation.

“In America everyone is entitled to free speech as a private citizen,” Maher wrote in a statement to The Post, when asked about the social media posts. “What matters is NPR’s work and my commitment as its CEO: public service, editorial independence, and the mission to serve all of the American public.”

Maher, who started her job as NPR CEO last month, previously was the head of the Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit that operates the online encyclopedia Wikipedia. An NPR spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday that Maher “was not working in journalism at the time” of the social media posts; she was “exercising her first amendment right to express herself like any other American citizen,” and “the CEO is not involved in editorial decisions.”

In a statement, an NPR spokesperson described the outcry over Maher’s old posts as “a bad faith attack that follows an established playbook, as online actors with explicit agendas work to discredit independent news organizations.”

Meanwhile, some NPR staffers want a more forceful defense of NPR journalism by management. An internal letter — signed by about 50 NPR staffers as of Wednesday afternoon — called on Maher and NPR editor in chief Edith Chapin to “publicly and directly” call out Berliner’s “factual inaccuracies and elisions.”

In the essay, Berliner accuses NPR of mishandling three major stories: the allegations of the 2016 Trump campaign’s collusion with Russia, the origins of the coronavirus , and the authenticity and relevance of Hunter Biden’s laptop. Berliner’s critics note that he didn’t oversee coverage of these stories. They also say that his essay indirectly maligns employee affinity groups — he name-checks groups for Muslim, Jewish, queer and Black employees, which he wrote “reflect broader movement in the culture of people clustering together based on ideology or a characteristic at birth.” (Berliner belonged to the group for Jewish employees, according to an NPR staffer with knowledge of membership.) He also writes that he found NPR’s D.C. newsroom employed 87 registered Democrats and zero Republicans in editorial positions in 2021. His critics say this figure lacks proper context.

Tony Cavin, NPR’s managing editor of standards and practices, told The Post that “I have no idea where he got that number,” that NPR’s newsroom has 660 employees, and that “I know a number of our hosts and staff are registered as independents.” That includes Inskeep, who, on his Substack, backed up Cavin’s assessment.

Berliner also wrote that, during the administration of Donald Trump , NPR “hitched our wagon” to top Trump antagonist Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) by interviewing him 25 times about Trump and Russia. Cavin told The Post NPR aired 900 interviews with lawmakers during the same period of time, “so that’s 3 percent. He’s a business reporter, he knows about statistics and it seems he’s selectively using statistics.”

Cavin said some inside the organization agree with points Berliner made, even if they “don’t like the way he went about it. The irony of this is it tells you how diverse as an organization we are, in ideological terms.”

“There are a few bits of truth in this,” NPR international correspondent Eyder Peralta wrote on Facebook. But he said the essay “uses a selecting reading to serve the author’s own world views” and paints with “too broad a brush.”

“I have covered wars, I have been thrown in jail for my work,” Peralta told The Post, “and for him to question part of what is in our nature, which is intellectual curiosity and that we follow our noses where they lead us, that hurts. And I think that damages NPR.”

Some staffers have also been attacked online since the essay’s publication. Rascoe, who, as a Black woman host for NPR, says she’s no stranger to online vitriol, but one message after Berliner’s essay labeled her as a “DEI hire” who has “never read a book in her life.”

“What stung about this one was it came on the basis of a supposed colleague’s op-ed,” whose words were “being used as fodder to attack me,” Rascoe said. “And my concern is not about me, but all the younger journalists who don’t have the platform I have and who will be attacked and their integrity questioned simply on the basis of who they are.”

NPR, like much of the media industry, has struggled in recent years with a declining audience and a tough ad market. NPR laid off 100 workers in 2023, one of its largest layoffs ever , citing fewer sponsorships and a projected $30 million decline in revenue.

Going forward, some staffers worry about the ramifications of Berliner’s essay and the reactions to it. The open letter to Maher and Chapin said that “sending the message that a public essay is the easiest way to make change is setting a bad precedent, regardless of the ideologies being expressed.”

An earlier version of this article included a reference to Uri Berliner's Free Press essay in which Berliner cited voter registration data for editorial employees of NPR's D.C. newsroom. The article has been updated to clarify that this data was from 2021, not the present day.

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An NPR editor who wrote a critical essay on the company has resigned after being suspended

FILE - The headquarters for National Public Radio (NPR) stands on North Capitol Street on April 15, 2013, in Washington. A National Public Radio editor who wrote an essay criticizing his employer for promoting liberal reviews resigned on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, a day after it was revealed that he had been suspended. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)

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NEW YORK (AP) — A National Public Radio editor who wrote an essay criticizing his employer for promoting liberal views resigned on Wednesday, attacking NPR’s new CEO on the way out.

Uri Berliner, a senior editor on NPR’s business desk, posted his resignation letter on X, formerly Twitter, a day after it was revealed that he had been suspended for five days for violating company rules about outside work done without permission.

“I cannot work in a newsroom where I am disparaged by a new CEO whose divisive views confirm the very problems” written about in his essay, Berliner said in his resignation letter.

Katherine Maher, a former tech executive appointed in January as NPR’s chief executive, has been criticized by conservative activists for social media messages that disparaged former President Donald Trump. The messages predated her hiring at NPR.

NPR’s public relations chief said the organization does not comment on individual personnel matters.

The suspension and subsequent resignation highlight the delicate balance that many U.S. news organizations and their editorial employees face. On one hand, as journalists striving to produce unbiased news, they’re not supposed to comment on contentious public issues; on the other, many journalists consider it their duty to critique their own organizations’ approaches to journalism when needed.

In his essay , written for the online Free Press site, Berliner said NPR is dominated by liberals and no longer has an open-minded spirit. He traced the change to coverage of Trump’s presidency.

“There’s an unspoken consensus about the stories we should pursue and how they should be framed,” he wrote. “It’s frictionless — one story after another about instances of supposed racism, transphobia, signs of the climate apocalypse, Israel doing something bad and the dire threat of Republican policies. It’s almost like an assembly line.”

He said he’d brought up his concerns internally and no changes had been made, making him “a visible wrong-thinker at a place I love.”

In the essay’s wake, NPR top editorial executive, Edith Chapin, said leadership strongly disagreed with Berliner’s assessment of the outlet’s journalism and the way it went about its work.

It’s not clear what Berliner was referring to when he talked about disparagement by Maher. In a lengthy memo to staff members last week, she wrote: “Asking a question about whether we’re living up to our mission should always be fair game: after all, journalism is nothing if not hard questions. Questioning whether our people are serving their mission with integrity, based on little more than the recognition of their identity, is profoundly disrespectful, hurtful and demeaning.”

Conservative activist Christopher Rufo revealed some of Maher’s past tweets after the essay was published. In one tweet, dated January 2018, Maher wrote that “Donald Trump is a racist.” A post just before the 2020 election pictured her in a Biden campaign hat.

In response, an NPR spokeswoman said Maher, years before she joined the radio network, was exercising her right to express herself. She is not involved in editorial decisions at NPR, the network said.

The issue is an example of what can happen when business executives, instead of journalists, are appointed to roles overseeing news organizations: they find themselves scrutinized for signs of bias in ways they hadn’t been before. Recently, NBC Universal News Group Chairman Cesar Conde has been criticized for service on paid corporate boards.

Maher is the former head of the Wikimedia Foundation. NPR’s own story about the 40-year-old executive’s appointment in January noted that she “has never worked directly in journalism or at a news organization.”

In his resignation letter, Berliner said that he did not support any efforts to strip NPR of public funding. “I respect the integrity of my colleagues and wish for NPR to thrive and do important journalism,” he wrote.

David Bauder writes about media for The Associated Press. Follow him at http://twitter.com/dbauder