Running Head: A HISTORIC OVERVIEW OF ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
A Historic Overview
Of Abnormal Psychology
By
Christine Godfrey
For
Dr. Rapa
Psych 515
University of Phoenix
Table of Contents
Abstract………………………………………………………………………………….3
Introduction……………………………………………………………………………..4
History of Abnormal Psychology……………………………………………………….4
Scientific Overview of Abnormal Psychology………………………………………….6
Theoretical View of Abnormal Psychology…………………………………………….7
A. Biological……………………………………………………………………7
B. Psychosocial…………………………………………………………………8
C. Sociocultural…………………………………………………………………9
Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………….9
References……………………………………………………………………………….11
Abstract
This paper seeks to enlighten the reader of the aspects of abnormal psychology. By taking a trip through the historical portions, scientific portions and theoretical portion of abnormal psychology, the writer hopes to answer questions regarding theories, analysis, and treatment for mental illness.
Introduction
Abnormal Psychology is described as the “field devoted to the study of causes of mental dysfunction including mental illness, psychopathology, maladjustment, and emotional disturbances (Halgin, et al.). Although we may not know exactly when abnormal psychology was introduced in terms of symptoms and suffering (i.e. when the first human had maladjusted behavior) we can in fact acknowledge when it became a topic of interest to the world in general.
It is believed, thousands of years ago, that trephining – a surgery in which a hammer and chisel are used to ‘drill’ a hole in a person’s skull to allow evil spirits to escape – was the earliest form of treatment for someone suffering from a mental illness or abnormal behavior. Since that time, there have been multitudes of theories both as to how mental illness develops as well as what type of treatment is most effective.
History of Abnormal Psychology
In the early years...