The applied psychologist - James Hartley

Review of the first edition:
"... a nice combination of theory and practice which should be of interest to two main audiences - psychology students trying to get some ideas about their choice of career, and practising psychologists who might like to dip into the book from time to time to broaden their horizons."
R. J. Ashton -
School Psychology International

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What do psychologists do?
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What skills do psychologists have?
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What contributions can they make to solving people's problems?

Are there different kinds of psychologists doing different kinds of jobs or do applied psychologists share a common set of skills to be deployed in different contexts? The fully revised and updated second edition of this highly successful book takes the latter view. It brings a fresh perspective by suggesting that applied psychologists have many similar skills that can be used in different ways in different circumstances. The editors identify seven roles used by most applied psychologists, embracing the psychologist as counsellor, colleague, expert, tool-maker, detached investigator, theoretician and agent for change. In this book fifteen leading applied psychologists describe several aspects of their work in order to emphasise these different roles.

Although the content of this book is very varied - covering work-based counselling, cancer treatment, police psychology, text design, driving behaviour, sports psychology, market research, fire-fighter stress, autism, bullying, and work with refugees - the theme is simple: applied psychologists have many similar skills in the roles they play. Students of psychology everywhere will find this book to be an essential point of reference on applied psychology. Its clear and accessible style is enhanced by discussion questions and suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter. The text also contains a useful and highly practical guide to pursuing career opportunities and where to find information on relevant courses.