Historical Perspectives Of Abnormal Psychology
Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology
Johnny Williams
PSY/410
October 16, 2012
Dr. BERNARD WAKLEY
Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology
Abnormal psychology focuses on abnormal behavior, its definition, classifications, explanations, and treatment (Hansell & Damour, 2008). Although its history is merely 100 years old, its story is richly textured. During its evolution, decisions regarding areas of focus evolved into six core concepts that enabled a more accurate definition of the field. To fully understand the scope and significance of contemporary abnormal psychology one must consider psychopathology and its origins, its distinct evolution, and the theoretical models of abnormality, which, in their diversity, attempt to treat those suffering from various disorders. This paper will concentrate on the genesis of Abnormal Psychology and go over a concise summary for how Abnormal Psychology has evolved into a methodical regulation.
The relatively young science of abnormal psychology has existed for approximately one hundred years although many forms of mental illness have been recorded throughout history. Stories from biblical times describe suffering similar to contemporary illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia.
Briefly examine the origins of abnormal psychology. Include challenges to defining and classifying normal and abnormal behavior.
One of the earliest known explanations for mental illness in primitive cultures was animism, predicated on belief in the power of the spirit world (Hansell & Damour, 2008). According to this view, mental affliction was associated with possession by an evil or hateful spirit. Archeologists have documented evidence of a treatment called trephination as early as 3000 BCE. This medical procedure consisted of boring holes into the skull to release the offending spirit (Hansell & Damour, 2008). Although this treatment seems archaic and primitive, in a world in which the spirit permeated life, it seemed
Johnny Williams
PSY/410
October 16, 2012
Dr. BERNARD WAKLEY
Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology
Abnormal psychology focuses on abnormal behavior, its definition, classifications, explanations, and treatment (Hansell & Damour, 2008). Although its history is merely 100 years old, its story is richly textured. During its evolution, decisions regarding areas of focus evolved into six core concepts that enabled a more accurate definition of the field. To fully understand the scope and significance of contemporary abnormal psychology one must consider psychopathology and its origins, its distinct evolution, and the theoretical models of abnormality, which, in their diversity, attempt to treat those suffering from various disorders. This paper will concentrate on the genesis of Abnormal Psychology and go over a concise summary for how Abnormal Psychology has evolved into a methodical regulation.
The relatively young science of abnormal psychology has existed for approximately one hundred years although many forms of mental illness have been recorded throughout history. Stories from biblical times describe suffering similar to contemporary illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia.
Briefly examine the origins of abnormal psychology. Include challenges to defining and classifying normal and abnormal behavior.
One of the earliest known explanations for mental illness in primitive cultures was animism, predicated on belief in the power of the spirit world (Hansell & Damour, 2008). According to this view, mental affliction was associated with possession by an evil or hateful spirit. Archeologists have documented evidence of a treatment called trephination as early as 3000 BCE. This medical procedure consisted of boring holes into the skull to release the offending spirit (Hansell & Damour, 2008). Although this treatment seems archaic and primitive, in a world in which the spirit permeated life, it seemed
References: Feist, J., & Feist, G. (2009). Theories of personality (7th ed.). New York: McGraw Hill. Hansell, J., & Damour, L. (2008). Abnormal psychology (2nd ed.) [PDF]. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Comer, R. J. (2007). Abnormal psychology. New York: Worth.