Check out some of the best psychology books for beginners that will make you more aware of yourself and the ways of the world.
The human mind is fascinating. Its unfathomable depth and never-ceasing complications have been a subject of interest and research for centuries. Renowned scientists, researchers and analysts in the field, such as Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, Erik Erikson and BF Skinner, have dedicated their lives to learning about the mind and human behaviour. However, their works could seem complex for new learners in the field. Thus, we have listed some of the best psychology books for beginners.
These books help in better understanding of fundamental concepts through practical advice and easy explanations, making each one on the list an intriguing read.
The scope of studying psychology
Studying psychology helps in understanding mental conditions, making readers more aware and compassionate towards those suffering from them. These days, many among us have become more sensitive towards mental illness. This field of study, through practical insights and real-life examples, assists in facing such issues in a more nuanced manner.
However, the ever-widening scope of psychology is not just limited to personal development. It also facilitates an understanding of various markets to pitch products and tap into a larger audience. One can benefit from learning about psychology in many ways. For instance, it can help find jobs suitable for your personality, position yourself prominently at the workplace, make better decisions, and balance your logical and emotional sides.
So, irrespective of the reason for picking up this scientific field of studying the mind and behaviour, these introductory books to the subject can help create a sound base.
These are some of the best psychology books for beginners
Jump To / Table of Contents
- The Psychology Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained
- Psychology For Dummies
- How To Win Friends And Influence People
- Psychology For Beginners: Introduction To the Basics Of Psychology
- 12 Rules For Life
- Do What You Are: Discover the Perfect Career For You Through the Secrets Of Personality Type
- Thinking, Fast And Slow
- The Power Of Habit: Why We Do What We Do In Life And Business
- The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth In Ancient Wisdom
- Stumbling On Happiness
- The Little Book Of Psychology: An Introduction To the Key Psychologists And Theories You Need To Know
- Remember: The Science of Memory And the Art Of Forgetting
Author: Nigel C. Benson, Joannah Ginsburg; Voula Grand; Merrin Lazyan; Marcus Weeks
Year of publication: 2011
Synopsis: With over 100 outstanding practical examples and case studies, this psychology book covers the workings of the mind and behaviour and is a great reading material to start with. It offers profound insights into the history of psychology, how people bond, learn, develop coping mechanisms and adhere to group norms. The book uses graphs, charts and timelines to explain such core concepts. Ideas of key psychologists, including Freud, Jung, Elizabeth Loftus and Melanie Klein, are also broken down.
Image: Courtesy Amazon
2 /12
Author: Adam Cash
Year of publication: 2002
Synopsis: Ever wondered why we do what we do? What triggers them? For novices, Cash breaks down the essentials of positive psychology and explains how it can effectively boost your career and mental health and avoid stress to lead a fulfilling life. Cash gives a glimpse into the hardware, software and ‘wetware’ of the brain, the complex intricacies of the mind and how it all affects our behaviour. The book also dives into the psychological aspects of desires and needs.
Image: Courtesy Amazon
Author: Dale Carnegie
Year of publication: 1936
Synopsis: Sharing psychological insights about one of the most important aspects of life — career success and how to climb the ladder — this book is a compelling read for anyone new to the subject or stuck in the rat race. Follow Carnegie’s six ways to make people like you, twelve ways to win them over with your way of thinking, the nine ways to change people without arousing resentment, and get to witness how all these affect your life.
The book has a myriad collection of case studies of some of the biggest names in the world — Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin and Lloyd George — and discusses their achievements and methods. It quotes psychologist William James and stresses the importance of optimism.
About the book: This is Carnegie’s first book and was published during the period of the Great Depression to help people not get fired. Despite being released so long ago, it remains an interesting read.
Image: Courtesy Amazon
Author: Victor Langbehn
Year of publication: 2019
Synopsis: One of the best psychology books for those looking for an easy reading list, it gives a detailed account of the human psyche. The book breaks down 25 psychological effects to show how psychological mechanisms play an important role in influencing our actions. Hence, knowing about them can make us more aware of the fascinating world around us and gain control over our thoughts and feelings.
Image: Courtesy Amazon
5 /12
Author: Jordan B. Peterson
Year of publication: 2018
Synopsis: Renowned Canadian psychologist Jordan B. Peterson lists 12 important rules that will help you grow and take authority in your life. The key to this lies in paying attention to the most minute aspects of nature, the ancient traditions and customs, and your daily habits. Backed with scientific research and psychological analysis, this book is a must-read for those looking to grow holistically and apply methods in their daily lives to help win over others.
Image: Courtesy Amazon
Author: Paul Tieger, Barbara Barron-Tieger & Kelly Tieger
Year of publication: 1992
Synopsis: This psychology book looks into the area of personality and what role it plays in determining your career. Every person has a unique personality that defines how one interacts, processes information and makes decisions. There are 16 types of identified personality types according to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, and with a proper understanding of each, one can arrive at a career option that suits them the best. The book offers exercises, real-world instances and practical advice that not only facilitate narrowing down your occupation but also suggests how you can excel at it.
About the book: What makes it different from other regular career guides is the fact that it incorporates a psychological analysis of one’s personality and uses it to empirically search for jobs. The current edition of the book contains a longer list of occupations, encompassing modern vocations like biotechnology and telecommunications.
Image: Courtesy Amazon
7 /12
Author: Daniel Kahneman
Year of publication: 2011
Synopsis: If you are looking for something a tad bit challenging, this cognitive psychology book is for you. We often find ourselves at the crossroads of being intuitive and rational. These two systems are constantly at loggerheads to take control of our actions, decisions and judgments. The book explains the pros and cons of both sides and how they influence us. It also sheds light on when should we rely on our instincts and how to overcome these dilemmas to avoid errors.
About the book: Penned by an economics Nobel laureate, the book is a major New York Times bestseller.
Image: Courtesy Macmillan Publishers
Author: Charles Duhigg
Year of publication: 2011
Synopsis: Combining storytelling and empirical study, this book looks into the mechanisms of how habits work and influence the human mind. It shows how habits develop, ways in which they can be used to one’s advantage to market ideas and how they can be transformed to better daily life.
About the book: With real-life examples of the likes of Michael Phelps, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz and civil-rights hero Martin Luther King, Jr., the book shows how marketing agencies tap into the fascinating world of habits to pitch their products. Duhigg is an award-winning New York Times business reporter.
Image: Courtesy CharlesDuhigg.com
Author: Jonathan Haidt
Year of publication: 2006
Synopsis: Haidt screens age-old practices and wisdom through the lens of psychological research and studies. A closer examination of common beliefs and notions that have been passed down through the ages, via questions based on our modern-day learnings, shows they have deep-rooted psychological impacts that can transform lives. The book studies 10 such great ideas that might be old maxims but are relevant even today.
Image: Courtesy Amazon
10 /12
Author: Daniel Gilbert
Year of publication: 2006
Synopsis: It is only humans that have the unique ability to predict the future and gauge the outcome. But is it always correct? This makes for a whole spectrum of study of the human mind. Punctuated with witty stories and a lucid style of narration, this book aims to unearth the shortcomings of our imagination and misconceptions of what tomorrow entails. The brain often falls prey to our biases and poor remembrance of experiences, leading to incorrect judgments and a lack of correct farsightedness.
Image: Courtesy Amazon
Author: Emily Ralls and Caroline Riggs
Year of publication: 2019
Synopsis: One of the best psychology books for beginners, this is an introduction to great psychologists and thinkers like Freud, Jung, Abraham Maslow and Stanley Milgram. Their works, theories, approaches and scientific research on the subject make it an all-encompassing psychology guidebook. Learn about their controversial interpretations and experiments as well as recent developments in the field that will enrich your mind.
Image: Courtesy Amazon
Author: Lisa Genova
Year of publication: 2021
Synopsis: Ever wondered what creates memory? How do we remember things, and why do we forget some? The book analyses these key concepts and shows that while our memory is fascinating, it has its pitfalls. It also details why the brain is unable to remember every experience but cannot forget certain things or finds them easy to recall. The psychology behind these, how memory can be saved, and what it says about you make this one of the best psychology books for beginners.
About the book: A New York Times bestseller, the book chronicles psychology research and upholds how the human mind works with Genova’s adept storytelling abilities. She is a Harvard-trained neuroscientist and novelist.
Image: Courtesy Penguin Random House
(Hero image: Courtesy Amazon, CharlesDuhigg.com; feature image: Courtesy Ying Ge/ @yingzge/ Unsplash)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-What are some good psychology books for beginners?
Remember, The Little Book Of Psychology, The Power of Habit: An Introduction To the Key Psychologists And Theories You Need To Know, 12 Rules For Life and How To Win Friends And Influence People are some of the best psychology books for beginners.
-How do I start reading psychology books?
It is important to keep an open mind before starting to read a psychology book. Be patient in grasping the fundamental concepts and use practical examples to understand them. It is advised to start with an easy-to-read title before moving on to classics like those by Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung.
-Which psychology book is best for beginners?
The Psychology Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained, Psychology For Beginners: Introduction To The Basics Of Psychology, The Little Book Of Psychology: An Introduction To the Key Psychologists And Theories You Need To Know And The Power of Habit: An Introduction To the Key Psychologists And Theories You Need To Know are some of the best introductory psychology books.
-Who is the father of psychology?
Wilhelm Maximilian Wundt (1832–1920) is considered the father of experimental psychology. Sigmund Freud is regarded as the father of psychoanalysis.
Trinetra is an ardent foodie and bibliophile who writes about films, travel, food and lifestyle. As a writer and literature student, slam poetry and storytelling are her go to jam. When not working, Trinetra is busy looking for her next place to visit or binge-watching Instagram videos for travel inspiration.
