There is no single, universally agreed-upon "first rule" of psychology. The field is vast and encompasses many perspectives and approaches. However, depending on the context, several interpretations exist:
1. Non-Judgmental Observation: A Foundational Principle
One perspective posits that being non-judgmental is a fundamental principle in psychology. This approach emphasizes the importance of objective observation and understanding without imposing personal biases or preconceived notions. This idea is supported by various sources, including a LinkedIn article stating that "Being non-judgmental is the first principle in psychology." This is crucial for accurate assessment and effective therapeutic intervention.
- Example: A therapist employing this principle would actively listen to a client's experiences without interrupting or passing judgment, fostering trust and facilitating open communication.
2. The Serial Position Effect: A Memory Phenomenon
In the context of memory, the "first and last rule" (also known as the serial position effect) describes how people tend to remember the beginning and end of a sequence better than the middle. This is mentioned on the Flynn Wiki. This is not a "rule" in the sense of a governing principle of the entire field, but rather a well-established observation about human memory.
- Example: Remembering the first and last items on a grocery list more readily than those in the middle.
3. Context-Specific "First Rules": A Matter of Perspective
The term "first rule" can also refer to specific rules within various branches of psychology or specific therapeutic approaches. For example, there are references to a "first rule" in the context of specific professional settings or even humorously (e.g., "the first rule of the CEO psychological meltdown is don't talk about the psychological meltdown"). This is highlighted in an article on CEO psychology. These are context-dependent and don't represent a fundamental principle across the field.
Therefore, the answer depends heavily on the interpretation of "first rule." There isn't a single overarching principle applicable across all areas of psychology.
