A NEW PERSPECTIVE: THE PROFILE ANO DEVELOPMENTOFPSYCHOLOGYSTUDENTS WHO ALREADY HAVE DEGREES IN OTHER AREAS

Abstract

This study shows the profile of psychology students who have degrees in other areas, while at the sarne time retrieves elements which assist in the identification of the underlying motives for choosing psychology. ln order to accomplish this, two components were utilised. One was of a descriptive nature (s=112) in which information was gathered about the group and the other was interpreta tive (n= 17), which sought to identify some of the determining factors in their choice oi in the psychology course as well as their experiences throughout their course from these students' perceptions. The students' profile shows a high socio-economic levei. This together with other characteristics explain the possibility of a search for a 'new perspective.' From subjective aspects, the importance of personal experiences associated with the use of psyhological services is highlighted as a determining factor in the choice of the course of study. Parailel to this is the adaptation to a graduate levei course, which forces students to face several difficulties, but which does not supersede the positive aspects experienced by the group.