An Introduction to the History of Psychology
Ch. 15-16 Assignment: An introduction to the history of psychology, 6th ed. by Hergenhahn
By Richard Thripp for Prof. John Beltran, PSY 4604 sec. 0W58, Univ. of Central Fla., Sp. 2013
2013 April 11
Ch. 15: 1. What is mental illness? In your answer, include the criteria that have been used throughout history to define mental illness. Mental illness is a condition characterized by emotions, thoughts, or behavior that are substantially abnormal for a given time and place in history (p. 514). Historically, it has been broadly been defined by self-harm, unrealistic thoughts and perceptions (delusions, hallucinations, magical thinking, etc.), inappropriate emotions, and rapid shifts in moods or beliefs. All these criteria compare the subject to the “average” member of the community, which, right or wrong, continues to be the standard used to define mental illness (p. 487).
3. What, if anything, do all versions of psychotherapy have in common? Modern and ancient forms of psychotherapy all have a sufferer, a helper, and a ritual through which help is offered. The basic reasons for psychotherapy have always been diminishing anxiety, depression, and other distressing physiological states, changing undesirable behavioral patterns, and promoting effective functioning and positive personal growth. While all versions of psychotherapy would ideally help the sufferer, this is often not the case (p. 489).
4. Describe what therapy would be like if it were based on the psychological model of mental illness, on the supernatural model, and on the biological model. Treatments based on the psychological approach often involve the patient re-enacting traumatic experiences to achieve catharsis, offering emotional support, dream analysis, and behavioral guidance. In the 18th century, the belief in natural law prevailed, meaning that sinful actions lead to madness, disease, and poverty, but industrious actions lead to wealth, health, and prosperity. This belief shaped
By Richard Thripp for Prof. John Beltran, PSY 4604 sec. 0W58, Univ. of Central Fla., Sp. 2013
2013 April 11
Ch. 15: 1. What is mental illness? In your answer, include the criteria that have been used throughout history to define mental illness. Mental illness is a condition characterized by emotions, thoughts, or behavior that are substantially abnormal for a given time and place in history (p. 514). Historically, it has been broadly been defined by self-harm, unrealistic thoughts and perceptions (delusions, hallucinations, magical thinking, etc.), inappropriate emotions, and rapid shifts in moods or beliefs. All these criteria compare the subject to the “average” member of the community, which, right or wrong, continues to be the standard used to define mental illness (p. 487).
3. What, if anything, do all versions of psychotherapy have in common? Modern and ancient forms of psychotherapy all have a sufferer, a helper, and a ritual through which help is offered. The basic reasons for psychotherapy have always been diminishing anxiety, depression, and other distressing physiological states, changing undesirable behavioral patterns, and promoting effective functioning and positive personal growth. While all versions of psychotherapy would ideally help the sufferer, this is often not the case (p. 489).
4. Describe what therapy would be like if it were based on the psychological model of mental illness, on the supernatural model, and on the biological model. Treatments based on the psychological approach often involve the patient re-enacting traumatic experiences to achieve catharsis, offering emotional support, dream analysis, and behavioral guidance. In the 18th century, the belief in natural law prevailed, meaning that sinful actions lead to madness, disease, and poverty, but industrious actions lead to wealth, health, and prosperity. This belief shaped