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Chapter 2 Abnormal psychology - early views
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- Abnormal psychology
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- Queens College
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2.1 Earliest views of abnormal behavior2.1 Explain the First Views of Mental Disorders
Early Egyptian papyri (c. 16th century B.C.) offer insights into the treatment of physical and
mental disorders, such as the Edwin Smith papyrus, which recognizes the brain as the center of
mental function, and the Ebers papyrus, which combines medicine with magical practices.
Ancient cultures like the Chinese, Egyptians, Hebrews, and Greeks saw abnormal behavior as the
result of demonic or divine possession.
2.1.1 Demonology, Gods, and Magic
Abnormal behavior was often attributed to possession by either good or evil spirits. For instance,
the ancient Hebrews viewed mental disturbance as God’s punishment, as reflected in the Bible.
Exorcism was a common treatment and involved various methods, such as magic, prayer, and
trepanation (drilling holes in the skull to release spirits).
2.1.2 Hippocrates' Early Medical Concepts
In 400 B.C.E., Hippocrates introduced the idea that mental disorders had natural causes,
proposing that brain pathology and heredity contributed to these issues. He categorized mental
disorders into mania, melancholia, and phrenitis (brain fever) and based his treatments on
observation and lifestyle adjustments. He also associated the four humors (blood, phlegm, bile,
black bile) with personality types and believed that imbalances in these humors led to mental
issues. His view of brain-centered disorders was revolutionary.
2.1.3 Early Philosophical Conceptualizations of Abnormal Behavior
Plato proposed that individuals with mental disturbances who committed crimes should not be
held fully responsible, suggesting hospital care for them and emphasizing the role of
sociocultural factors. Aristotle, a student of Plato, noted that directed thinking could alleviate pain
and subscribed to the four humors theory. Galen, a Roman physician, distinguished between
physical and mental causes of psychological disorders, including physical trauma, lifestyle
factors, and emotional disappointments.
2.1.4 Early Chinese Conceptualizations of Abnormal Behavior
Ancient Chinese medicine saw mental health as dependent on the balance of positive and
negative forces (yin and yang). Imbalances led to illness, with treatments aimed at restoring
harmony. By the second century, Chinese physician Chung Ching suggested that both physical
conditions and emotional stress could cause mental illness, a view similar to Hippocrates.
Although beliefs shifted to supernatural causes during the “Dark Ages,” China ultimately returned
to biological explanations, later incorporating Western psychiatric ideas.
2.1.5 Views of Abnormality During the Middle Ages
Islamic countries preserved Greek scientific knowledge, establishing humane treatment for the
mentally ill. Avicenna, known as the "prince of physicians," authored The Canon of Medicine and
used innovative treatments, as shown in his treatment of a melancholic prince with a cow
delusion. In contrast, medieval Europe emphasized religious solutions, with clergy overseeing
mental health care. Early monasteries provided refuge for the mentally ill, and treatment included
prayer, exorcisms, and herbal remedies.
Though some mentally disturbed individuals were likely accused of witchcraft, historical accounts
suggest that most accused were impoverished women rather than those with mental illness. This
distinction between possession, madness, and witchcraft highlights the challenges of accurately
interpreting historical views on mental illness.
Summary of Key Points
1. First Views of Mental Disorders:
● Ancient cultures attributed mental illness to supernatural forces.
, ● Exorcism was a primary treatment to expel evil spirits.
2. Hippocrates' Contributions:
● Introduced natural causes for mental illness, focusing on brain pathology and
humoral imbalances.
● Proposed lifestyle changes as treatment.
3. Philosophical and Medical Advances:
● Plato supported hospital care for mentally ill criminals.
● Aristotle emphasized conscious thought as a remedy.
● Galen contributed scientific classifications for mental disorders.
4. Chinese Views:
● Early Chinese medicine connected health to balance (yin and yang).
● Chinese practices aligned with natural explanations and integrated both emotional
and physical treatments.
5. Middle Ages:
● The Islamic world preserved humane treatment, exemplified by Avicenna's work.
● In Europe, care by clergy and exorcisms dominated, while most “witches” were not
mentally ill.
These early theories and treatments laid foundational perspectives on abnormal behavior that
evolved into more systematic and humane approaches over time.
2.2 Views of Abnormal Behavior in the 1500s and 1600s
2.2 Describe the effect that scientific thinking had on views of abnormal psychology and the rise
of early asylums.
2.2 Describe the Effect that Scientific Thinking had on Views of Abnormal Psychology and the
Rise of Early Asylums
In the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance, the reemergence of scientific inquiry led to the
development of humanism, which focused on human interests and needs. This shift challenged
the superstitions and demonological explanations for mental disorders, setting the stage for more
humane and scientific approaches.
2.2.1 The Resurgence of Scientific Questioning in Europe
During this time, notable figures began to critique the supernatural explanations for mental
illness:
● Paracelsus (1490–1541): A Swiss physician who argued that mania was not a form of
demonic possession but a disease. He believed mental illnesses had psychic causes and
suggested using “bodily magnetism” (hypnosis) as treatment. Paracelsus, however,
retained some superstitions, believing that the moon (luna) affected mental states, leading
to the term "lunatic."
● Johann Weyer (1515–1588): A German physician who opposed the persecution of
individuals labeled as witches, arguing that they were actually mentally ill. In his book On
the Deceits of the Demons (1583), Weyer disputed the witch-hunting manual Malleus
Maleficarum, claiming that the accused needed compassion rather than punishment. His
progressive ideas were ahead of his time, and he faced ridicule and rejection from his
peers and the Church, which banned his work until the twentieth century.
● St. Vincent de Paul (1576–1660): A French cleric who asserted that mental illness was akin
to physical illness and deserved humane treatment. His advocacy contributed to the
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