What Is Pop Psychology?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHistorySigns You’re Reading Pop PsychologyTypes of Pop PsychologyTips for Using Pop PsychologyPitfalls of Pop PsychologyWhat This Means For You

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

History

Signs You’re Reading Pop Psychology

Types of Pop Psychology

Tips for Using Pop Psychology

Pitfalls of Pop Psychology

What This Means For You

Close

Pop psychology is often associated with quick fixes as it promises easy solutions to difficult problems. It is also associated with personality tests that may not be scientifically validated. Popular personalities who promote pop psychology approaches such as Dr. Phil McGraw or Oprah Winfrey, have contributed greatly to the growth of pop psychology.

At a GlancePop psychology encompasses ideas that are purportedly rooted in psychology. Such ideas tend to gain widespread acceptance, even though they are not necessarily rooted in credible science. Learning more about distinguishing between pop psychology and evidence-backed scientific research can help you become a more informed consumer of psychological information.

At a Glance

Pop psychology encompasses ideas that are purportedly rooted in psychology. Such ideas tend to gain widespread acceptance, even though they are not necessarily rooted in credible science. Learning more about distinguishing between pop psychology and evidence-backed scientific research can help you become a more informed consumer of psychological information.

This article discusses the history of pop psychology and its types. It also teaches you how to spot pop psychology information and explores the pitfalls of relying on this kind of content.

History of Pop Psychology

The history of pop psychology dates back to the 17th century when philosophers such as Descartes and Locke used their knowledge of human nature to “prove” what we now call scientific theories.

Pop psychology emerged in full force due to Freud’s psychoanalytic theories being published for the masses in his self-published book titled “The Interpretation of Dreams.” At that time, there was a huge surge in interest in applying these ideas to everyday life.

In the 1960s, another pop psychology resurgence resulted in controversial books likeErich Fromm’s"Escape from Freedom." This book was the first to tie the post-WWII interest in Eastern religions and yoga to our need for individual freedom.

Understanding Erich Fromm’s Theory of Personality

The 1970s saw a pop psychology book boom, with titles like Thomas Harris’s “I’m OK - You’re OK.” Then, in 1980, John Gray published “Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus,” which became one of the most popular self-help books of all time.

Pop Psychology and Social Media

More recently, social media has contributed to the rise of wellness influencers, who often market products and services rooted in pop psychology advice. Such influencers often attempt to attribute virtually all problems people experience totrauma responsesor suggest that people can use strategies like positive thinking or self-help to overcome serious mental illnesses.

According to these same pop psychology influencers, the best way to overcome these issues is to join their subscription-only healing circle, sign up for their program, or buy their book. Such influencers often use psychological language to legitimize questionable ideas and dubious practices.

It is important to note that many credible mental health experts share valuable, helpful information via social media. While they may be mental health influencers, the information they share is rooted in their experience and expertise.Such information can be helpful, but remember that it may not necessarily apply to your specific situation.

In recent years, there has been a push for more scientifically based approaches rather than those rooted in popular culture. However, it seems we’ll never shake our need for popular psychology to some extent.

Are you unsure whether that book, article, or social media post is based on pop psychology or something more scientifically sound?

Here are some signs that what you are consuming might be pop psychology:

While being “popular” doesn’t necessarily mean that a book, program, or website is unhelpful, it can be a red flag if any of the above signs are true. And while some experts may have academic credentials, speaking outside of their area of expertise can be a serious red flag.

Below are some of the common types of pop psychology you may come across.

The 7 Best Self-Help Books to Change Your Life

Pop psychology provides you with an opportunity to explore your mind and emotions. It provides self-help techniques that could potentially improve your life, relationships, or career.

However, forms of pop psychology that are not rooted in academic research and have no empirical evidence backing up their claims can be dangerous if you are struggling with mental health issues.

Below is a list of tips to help you use pop psychology as a part of your mental health care plan.

How to Find a Therapist

While there can be some beneifical aspects to pop psychology, there are also drawbacks. One main disadvantage is that it is generally not based on empirical evidence and, therefore cannot be tested for effectiveness.

Below are some other potential pitfalls of pop psychology:

Misleading

Pop psychology is sometimes based on outdated science, ideas, or theories. It may also misrepresent real science or dramatically overexaggerate the effects you might experience.

Objectionable

Some content may not align with your specific values and beliefs. For example, someone who belongs to a certain religion might find the teachings of other religions objectionable within pop psychology.

Profit-Based

Pop psychology is often sensationalized and oversimplified for profit. If you are spending money on pop psychology, you may be a victim of what is called “junk science.” In other words, those promoting cures based on pop psychology never have their ideas tested in the scientific arena.

Placebo Effect

Pop psychology can also involve what is known as the “placebo effect.” The placebo effect occurs when a group is given a “cure” that does not actually have an effect. However, the group experiences a positive outcome because of their expectations that it will occur.

Not Subject to Scrutiny

Scientists publish their research in peer-reviewed journals, where they share information with other experts in the field. These experts can let them know of any potential errors or omissions in their work.

Pop psychologists, on the other hand, write books about their ideas and use anecdotes and personal experiences as evidence to back up their claims. As long as pop psychology works outside the realm of science-based inquiry, it won’t be easy to assess its impacts and improve on any successes.

Used in Place of Treatment

Pop psychology books can be problematic in that they can sometimes lead people in need of professional treatment down a path that’s not only ineffective but potentially harmful.

What’s more, if you are already receiving mental health care, reading these types of books can be counterproductive. For example, if you’re in therapy to address your eating disorder and read a book that suggests dieting is the answer, it could cause major setbacks with treatment progress.

What Is Pop Psychology?

Given that pop psychology is a way to express and share personal experiences, it can be helpful for those who need support. There are clear benefits to pop psychology, as it is both entertaining and an outlet for people who might not otherwise have any mental health support system at all.

However, If you are considering using pop psychology, it is important to know that there are a number of risks involved. With so many pop psychology books and online resources, it is easy to lose sight of the essential questions: What are the qualifications of this author or therapist? Can I afford what’s being offered? Am I taking advice from someone who has never evaluated or treated this condition?

Only after you have answered these questions can you make an informed decision about the risks and benefits of jumping on the pop psychology bandwagon.

How to Become an Informed Consumer of Psychology Research

4 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.McCartney M.The rise of the pop psychologists.BMJ. 2012;344:e3541. doi:10.1136/bmj.e3541ThoughtCo.Early modern philosophy.Pretorius C, McCashin D, Coyle D.Mental health professionals as influencers on TikTok and Instagram: What role do they play in mental health literacy and help-seeking?Internet Interv. 2022;30:100591. doi:10.1016/j.invent.2022.100591Mommaerts JL, Devroey D.From “does it work?” to “what is ‘it’?": implications for voodoo, psychotherapy, pop-psychology, regular, and alternative medicine.Perspect Biol Med. 2013 Spring;56(2):274-88. doi:10.1353/pbm.2013.0015

4 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.McCartney M.The rise of the pop psychologists.BMJ. 2012;344:e3541. doi:10.1136/bmj.e3541ThoughtCo.Early modern philosophy.Pretorius C, McCashin D, Coyle D.Mental health professionals as influencers on TikTok and Instagram: What role do they play in mental health literacy and help-seeking?Internet Interv. 2022;30:100591. doi:10.1016/j.invent.2022.100591Mommaerts JL, Devroey D.From “does it work?” to “what is ‘it’?": implications for voodoo, psychotherapy, pop-psychology, regular, and alternative medicine.Perspect Biol Med. 2013 Spring;56(2):274-88. doi:10.1353/pbm.2013.0015

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

McCartney M.The rise of the pop psychologists.BMJ. 2012;344:e3541. doi:10.1136/bmj.e3541ThoughtCo.Early modern philosophy.Pretorius C, McCashin D, Coyle D.Mental health professionals as influencers on TikTok and Instagram: What role do they play in mental health literacy and help-seeking?Internet Interv. 2022;30:100591. doi:10.1016/j.invent.2022.100591Mommaerts JL, Devroey D.From “does it work?” to “what is ‘it’?": implications for voodoo, psychotherapy, pop-psychology, regular, and alternative medicine.Perspect Biol Med. 2013 Spring;56(2):274-88. doi:10.1353/pbm.2013.0015

McCartney M.The rise of the pop psychologists.BMJ. 2012;344:e3541. doi:10.1136/bmj.e3541

ThoughtCo.Early modern philosophy.

Pretorius C, McCashin D, Coyle D.Mental health professionals as influencers on TikTok and Instagram: What role do they play in mental health literacy and help-seeking?Internet Interv. 2022;30:100591. doi:10.1016/j.invent.2022.100591

Mommaerts JL, Devroey D.From “does it work?” to “what is ‘it’?": implications for voodoo, psychotherapy, pop-psychology, regular, and alternative medicine.Perspect Biol Med. 2013 Spring;56(2):274-88. doi:10.1353/pbm.2013.0015

Meet Our Review Board

Share Feedback

Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit

What is your feedback?