History of Abnormal Psychology Part 1

History of Abnormal Psychology

Overview

The study of abnormal psychology has evolved significantly over time, influenced by various cultural, philosophical, and scientific factors. This transition reflects societal beliefs and practices regarding mental health and illness, from early supernatural explanations to more contemporary biological and psychological models.

Historical Views of Abnormal Behavior

1. Supernatural Explanations

   • Demonology and Magic: Initially, abnormal behavior was often attributed to demonic possession or the influence of gods. Treatments included exorcisms and rituals.

   • Early Treatments: Techniques like trephination, where a portion of the skull was removed to release evil spirits, were employed.

2. Hippocratic Revolution

   • Natural Causes: Hippocrates (460-377 BC) was pivotal in shifting the understanding of mental health to natural causes and brain pathology, which was progressive for his time. He categorized mental disorders into mania, melancholia, and phrenitis and emphasized clinical observation.

   • Four Humors Theory: This theory suggested that an imbalance of bodily fluids (blood, phlegm, black bile, yellow bile) affected physical and mental health.

3. Philosophical Reflections

   • Plato and Aristotle: Plato advocated for humane treatment and community care for the mentally ill, recognizing their lack of responsibility for criminal acts due to their condition. Conversely, Aristotle connected mental disorders primarily to physical causes, emphasizing the physiological underpinnings of behavior.

4. Middle Ages and Recovery of Supernatural Views

   • Islamic Influence: During the Middle Ages, Islamic physicians like Avicenna promoted humane treatments, contrasting with European methods that often involved ritualistic and superstitious approaches.

   • Witch Trials: The era saw many mentally ill individuals accused of witchcraft, leading to horrific punishments.

5. Mass Madness

   • Group Hysteria: Phenomena such as tarantism and lycanthropy illustrate periods where groups exhibited similar symptoms linked to societal fears and often reinforced by religious beliefs. An example includes the Black Death, which catalyzed mass hysteria due to widespread social upheavals.

The Biological Model

1. Emergence of Biology in Treatment

   • . The biological perspective emerged, led by Hippocrates and later developed by Roman physician Galen, who linked psychological disorders to physical causes.

   • Treatment Methods: Emphasized diet, exercise, bloodletting, and the balance of environmental factors. Rest and humane living conditions became vital in treating mental disorders during the 19th century with contributors like John P. Grey advocating for better conditions.

2. Evolution of Treatment

   • Modern Advances: As views continued to evolve, modern psychologists began to uncover more complex connections between brain structure and mental disorders, alongside the rise of psychological theories in the 20th century.

3. Considerations in Cultural Contexts

   • China’s Historical Approach: Ancient Chinese medicine was based on natural explanations, treating mental illness with a balance of yin and yang alongside herbal medicine and emotional therapy. Over time, periods of focus on supernatural causes recurred.

Conclusion

As explored, the history of abnormal psychology spans a transition from supernatural models to biological and psychological explanations, with landmark figures like Hippocrates shaping the foundation of mental health understanding. Today, the comprehension of mental disorders integrates insights from historical traditions, emphasizing a combination of biological, psychological, and cultural factors.