Foundational psychologists who shaped modern psychology

History Of Psychology

Over the centuries Western societies have constantly wrestled with: various ailments surrounding human behavior and why an individual will engage in the actions they take. This would give rise to the field of modern day psychology, where various thinkers and philosophers were attempting to understand these issues. As a result, a variety of theories were developed, to provide a more in depth picture of how the human mind works. Where, a number of different psychologists would have a profound impact on understanding human behavior to include: Benjamin Rush, Henry Wegrocki, Karen Horney, Evelyn Hooker Thomas Szasz and Samuel Guze. This is significant, because the different ideas presented by these thinkers would provide the basic foundation for the psychology. To fully understand the impact that of each of these individuals had requires: looking at a summary of the different ideas. Once this takes place, it will provide the greatest insights, as to how each of these individuals would help to shape modern day psychology.

Benjamin Rush

Benjamin Rush was considered to be the father of American Psychiatry. Where, he would classify the different diseases of the mind, while believing that mental illness was caused by a blood disorder. He was the first person to describe and catalogue the symptoms of Savant Syndrome. This would help Rush be able to identify a number of mental disorders, which would allow him to develop the therapeutic approach for treating addiction. This is where he believed that someone who is addicted to a chemical substance (such as alcohol), will lose control over their behaviors. At the same time, Rush would help to establish the modern day mental institution, as place where someone who is suffering from mental illness can be able to receive specific treatment for their ailments. (Gentile, 2008)

Henry Wegrocki

Henry Wegrocki argued that a statistical approach should be used in the study of abnormality. As the different ideas he presented would differ from other philosophers, with him believing in monitoring the observable behavior of the individual. This is where you would examine the actions of the individual, based upon how they are reacting to various situations, without making any kind of inferences as to the possible motives. Instead, the mental health professional would want to monitor the behavior of the individual, to determine what they are suffering from. (Gentile, 2008)

Evelyn Hooker

Evelyn Hooker conducted the first scientific experiment on male homosexuality. Where, she would survey both heterosexuals and homosexuals, to determine if homosexuals have trouble adjusting to various social circumstances. The effects of the survey were: homosexuals have no difference in adjusting to social situations in comparison with heterosexuals. As a result, this information would help to provide a research methodology that would be used in the future, to understand homosexual behavior. (Gentile, 2008)

Thomas Szasz

In his views on the Myth of Mental Illness, Szasz believes that terms disease and behavior are often interconnected. Where, he thinks that diseases are a malfunction within human body (such as the organ bones, bones etc.). The behavior that society uses to label someone as mentally ill is often based upon social norms. Where, a person walking down the street talking to God would be considered to have a mental disease, while someone talking to God in church is considered to be normal. These social distinctions have caused the line between diseases and behavior to become blurry. For mental health professionals, they will often use this distinction as way to be able to label someone as mentally ill. While not having to be held to: high standards for treating them, resulting in a misdiagnosis. As a result, Szasz would argue that mental illness is a problem with the living. (Gentile, 2008)

Samuel Guze

Samuel Guze provided a more specific definition of abnormal psychology. Where, he said that the human mind is constantly evolving and changing, based upon the internal as well as external environment. However, when applying the label of abnormal to someone, the definition will vary upon the degree and extent that a person engages in a particular activity. For example, masturbation is considered to be a part of growing up. Yet, if someone is doing it to much it is considered to be abnormal, as they are using this as an escape. (Gentile, 2008)

Clearly, the different ideas presented, highlight how the field has evolved throughout the 20th century. Where, there was an emphasis on scientific methods. Yet, as time went by these ideas would be brought into question, as a holistic approach was taken, in an effort to provide more effective treatment options. The ideas of the different thinkers, highlights how this shift has occurred over the years.