Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology

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Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology

Abnormal psychology is the study of any behavior that deviates from culturally accepted norms (Carducci, 2002). For centuries psychologists, psychiatrists, and researchers have been studying the biological, social, and environmental issues effects on people. These issues helped explain people's development, behavior, and mental health. The year 1886 is a banner year for psychology; for it was then that the foundation was laid for the psychogenic view of disturbances that had hitherto been ascribed to organic conditions (Roback, 1961). Before research and studies, Hippocrates 460-377 B.C., mental disorders were thought to be the sole result of a birth defect or brain damage. From there, Plato and Aristotle began to examine the philosophical concepts for reasoning and behavior. In 792 A.D., Baghdad, the first mental hospital was formed and became the starting points of asylums and mistreatment of 'disturbed' people. The late 1700s brought on enlightenment and changes in the treatment of mental health. Asylums were done away with and brought forth groundwork for establishment of government organizations, legislation, and proper mental health facilities. The development of mental health services can be roughly divided into several stages: the pre-asylum period (1841-1924), the asylum period (1925-1948), the organization period (1948-1965), the initial rehabilitation period (1966-1973), the centralized rehabilitation period (1974-1981) and the civic control versus community care period (1982-1995) (Yip, 1998).

Some challenges researchers and professionals have found, over time, in defining normal and abnormal is that those terms are subjective. Even more so, the intensity and frequency of such ...