1.2 The Development of Clinical Psychology Flashcards
Define “Hysteria”
Temporary loss of cognitive or motor functions, usually as a result of emotionally upsetting experiences
Which French physicians made crucial observations in patients suffering from hysteria?
Charcot
Janet
How did observing hysteria patients lead to a major shift in psychological research in the future?
The hypnosis effects on the symptoms of Hysteria led to observations made by Charcot and Janet (and some other researchers), which suggested that the brain can create many conscious selves that are not aware of each other’s existence.
These theories greatly influenced Sigmund Freud (who studied with Charcot)
What is, and who came up with Psychoanalytic Theory
Sigmund Freud
It’s an approach to understanding human behaviour that emphasizes the importance of unconscious mental processes in shaping thoughts, feelings, and behaviours
Define “Psychoanalysis”
A therapeutic approach that focuses on bringing unconscious material into conscious awareness to better understand psychological disorders
What is the “Unconscious”???
Part of the mind that operates outside of awareness but influences conscious thoughts, feelings, and actions
What were patients asked to do during psychoanalysis?
Recalling past experiences, and trying to relate dreams and fantasies, brings unconscious thoughts into awareness
Why was psychoanalytic theory controversial in America?
It suggested that understanding a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviour required a thorough exploration of the person’s early sexual experiences and unconscious sexual desires
In those days these topics were considered far too racy for scientific discussion.
Where did WIlliam James and Sigmund Freud meet for the first time?
A psychology conference at Clark University, organized by G. Stanley Hall
What things contributed to the subsequent diminishment of Freud’s views?
His vision of human nature was a dark one, emphasizing limitations and problems rather than possibilities and potentials
He saw people as hostages to their forgotten childhood experiences and primitive sexual impulses, and the inherent pessimism of his perspective frustrated those psychologists who had a more optimistic view of human nature
The era was characterized by the accomplishments—not the foibles—of the human mind, and Freud’s viewpoint was out of step with the spirit of the times
His ideas were also difficult to test, and theories that can’t be tested have very limited use in science/psychology
The development of the humanistic movement contributed to the demise of Freud’s views and theories.
Who pioneered Humanistic Psychology?
Carl Rogers
Abraham Maslow
Define “Humanistic Psychology”
An approach to understanding human nature that emphasizes the positive potential of human beings
How did Humanistic Psychology differ from Psychoanalytic?
Rather than regarding people as prisoners of events in their remote pasts, humanistic psychologists viewed people as free agents who have an inherent need to develop, grow, and attain their full potential
Humanistic psychologists would work with “clients”, whereas Psychoanalysts would refer to people as “patients”
The relationship and footing between the psychologists and client was much more equal in Humanistic psychology.
When did the “humanistic movement” peak?
In the 1960s
Woodstock era!!
