Philosophy of Psychology - Essay Example

? Philosophy of Psychology First and of The paper tackles on four issues, which have been controversial and widely debated throughout the years. In addition, it presents my stance in these four issues. The first issue pertains to the appropriate means of treating individuals with mental illnesses. The second issue involves the mind and body relationship. The third issue explores the influence of the nature and nurture in individuals’ development. Lastly, the paper tackles on the issue of whether individuals with mental illness possess similar rights with those who have no mental illness. I espouse Hippocrates and Descartes views, and the interaction of nature and nurture in the individuals’ development. In addition, I believe that individuals should be given the necessary treatment and support regardless of their mental conditions. Philosophy of Psychology 1.0 Introduction Philosophy of Psychology pertains to the issues of theoretical foundations of the modern Psychology. One of the issues raised was regarding the most effective means of treating an individual’s mental illness. I personally support natural means of addressing individual’s concerns. This view reflects that of Hippocrates who asserted that the body possesses the ability to heal itself. Hippocrates also argued that physicians do more harm than good when they attempted to interfere with the body’s natural ability to heal itself. I will recommend psychotherapy instead of drug therapy in accordance with the Hippocratic Oath that the physicians must ensure the clients are not inflicted with any harm (as cited in Turner, 2007, p. 146). The second issue involves the relationship between the mind and body. I espouse Descartes’ view that the body highly influences the mind. This explains my support for diet, herbal remedies, and exercise in alleviating the problems of the client. The omnipresent question regarding the influence of nature vs. nurture has also intrigued psychologists for centuries. I personally believe that nature and nurture influence individuals’ development. This view reflects my support for Erickson’s Psychosocial Development, which stresses the importance of social interactions, and individual’s ability to adopt to the environment. Lastly, an issue pertaining to whether individuals with mental illnesses possess the same rights similar to those who have no mental illnesses is also discussed in this paper. The succeeding sections delve these issues in detail. 2.0 Desire to be a Psychologist instead of a Psychiatrist I desire to become a Psychologist instead of a Psychiatrist. I want to address the concerns of patients through natural means such as psychotherapy and counseling. It is important to reiterate that the primary distinction between psychologists and psychiatrists lies on the capacity of the latter to prescribe medicine to the client (as cited in Hergenhahn, 2008, p. 40). I adhere to Hippocrates’ proposition that the human body possesses an inherent ability to heal itself. This famous philosopher further added that physicians do more damage than good if they attempted to interfere with the natural healing power of the body. Thus, he recommended exercise, proper diet, baths, and massage as cures for illnesses (as cited in Hergenhahn, 2008, p. 40). In a similar manner, I would also recommend psychotherapy and other natural means to address the concerns of the client as there is a constant possibility that the client’s body will become resistant to medication. The Hippocratic approach puts importance on an understanding physician and hopeful, trusting patient. In addition, it concentrates on holistically treating the client and not merely eliminating the disease (as cited in Hergenhahn, 2008, p. 40). Hippocrates (as cited in Turner, 2007, p. 146) considered symptoms as the body’s attempt to restore balance instead of the disease itself. Thus, if a physician properly analyzes and interprets these signs, he/she can determine what is the imbalance as well as what causes such imbalance. Proper diagnoses lead to appropriate treatment. The physician does not possess the ability to cure the body itself, but he/she can help restore the body in its proper condition. Thus, Hippocrates (as cited in Turner, 2007, p. 146) asserted that the body possesses the capacity to heal itself. A dramatic shift from employing talk therapy to prescribing drug therapy occurred during the past decade. An estimated 68% of the clients were getting drug treatment in 2004. Unknown to many, antidepressants and some other drugs prescribed by psychiatrists in treating mental illnesses are positively correlated to serious side effects. In addition, an issue arises in finding a suitable drug that does not cause undesirable side effect to clients (Davis, 2004). Approximately 50% of the respondents in the survey who took antidepressants admitted that they tried two or more other drugs. Thus, clients undertake a process of trial and error to determine the suitable drug for depression. It consequently makes them susceptible to various side effects of these drugs. Side effects range from losing sexual interest to serious side effects. Davis (2004) found that talk therapy is as effective as drug therapy without the serious side effects. He further added that talk therapy conducted in 13 sessions is effective in treating depression. I would similarly employ talk therapy and other natural means of treating my clients in accordance to the Hippocratic Oath of ensuring that no harm is inflicted to the clients (Davis, 2004). 3.0 Support for Natural Approach of Diet, Herbal Remedies, and Exercise The biological tradition of treating illnesses was reinvigorated during the 19th century due to the discovery of the cause and nature of syphilis, and the support from a prominent American psychiatrist, John Grey. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease, which includes symptoms such as the patient’s belief that someone is plotting against him/her. Thus, mentally ill patient is treated by physicians as physically ill. Physicians emphasize on proper diet, and proper room ventilation and temperature in treating this kind of illness (Barlow and Durand 2011, p. 11). Dr. Robert Atkins (as cited in Null, 2002, p. 18), a notable American cardiologist and physician, reiterated that one cause of the mental health problem is poor nutrition. He considered anxiety and depression as diet-related disorders. In addition, he claimed that most psychiatrists ask, “What’s the name of the client’s problem, and how can it be treated in an orthodox manner?” instead of “why my client is having a problem?” (as cited in Null, 2002, p. 18). Dr. Atkins deemed the correction of the client’s diet as the means of eliminating the problem given that something in the diet contributes to the occurrence of depression and anxiety (as cited in Null, 2002, p. 18). In addition, Liebert (1998) stresses that herbal remedies are effective in calming nerves and treating mental illnesses. I personally consider exercise as a reasonable option in treating depression as it is less costly compared to drug treatments. In addition, it entails no side effects and treats the whole body instead of merely the disease. Dishman (1995, as cited in Biddle, Fox, & Boutcher, 2002, p. 47) asserted that studies that delve into the relationship of mental health and exercise have been increasing. However, these studies failed to convince the American Psychiatric Association and other mental health agencies to endorse exercise as a treatment for depression. Beesley and Mutrie (1997, as cited in Biddle et al., 2002, p. 47) explained that the evidences that prove that exercise prevents mental illness may not be convincing, or mental health practitioners may adhere to the dualist perspective of the relationship between mind and body. The importance that I put on natural means of treating mental illnesses indicates that I espouse Descartes’ perspective regarding the relationship of the mind and body. The mind-body problem is an issue, which has proven to be controversial for centuries. Before Descartes, the prevailing notion was the one directional interaction of the mind and body. It was proposed that the mind highly influenced the body while the body has minimal influenced on the mind. The mind was likened to a puppeteer, which pulled the strings attached in the body. However, Descartes (as cited in D. Schultz & S. Schultz, 2011) argued that the body exerts more influence to the mind. He further added that the relationship of the body and mind is not in a one directional manner but a mutual interaction. Descartes (as cited in D. Schultz & S. Schultz, 2011, p. 32) asserted that the mind solely functions to elicit thought, and other processes such as movement, perception, and reproduction are performed by the body. Philosophers and scientists eventually decided that they can no longer adhere to the notion that the mind is dominant of the two entities (D. Schultz & S. Schultz, 2011). However, it seems that mental health practitioners currently perceive that their work does not involve the body. Thus, it is essential for mental health practitioners to reconsider the link between the mind and the body and positively view diet, herbal remedies, and exercise in treating health issues (as cited in D. Schultz & S. Schultz, 2011). 4.0 Pavlov’s Classical Conditioning I also adhere to Pavlov’s classical conditioning as a form of explaining learning and conditioning. Pavlov attempted to make dogs salivate upon hearing the sound of the bell. He referred this salivary response as conditioned reflexes. It was conditioned when it was repeatedly paired with the previously neutral stimulus (sound of the bell) and the stimulus (meat powder) that elicited the target response (salivation) (as cited in Rathus, 2007, p. 234). Conditioned reflexes are currently termed as conditioned responses. Pavlov exhibited conditioned responses through strapping the dog into a harness. The dog salivated when meat powder was placed into his tongue (as cited in Rathus, 2007, p. 234). For several times, Pavlov repeated the process, but he preceded the meat powder with the sound of the bell. He then sounded the bell without the meat power and observed that the dog still salivated. The dog learned to salivate upon hearing the tone alone (as cited in Rathus, 2007, p. 234). This form of learning can be utilized to effectively eliminate phobia and anxiety. Systematic desensitization is founded on principles of classical conditioning. It is one of the widely used techniques in addressing such concerns (Horwitz & Scheid, 1999). This technique is undertaken through asking the client to imagine increasingly disturbing images while he/she is deeply at ease. It is repeated until the client no longer elicits fear from such images. The principles of classical conditioning can address several mental illnesses such as enuresis, anxiety, phobia, and the like (Horwitz & Scheid, 1999). 5.0 Erickson’s Theory of Development My views regarding human development reflect that of Erick Erickson. Several individuals instantly associate Erickson with Sigmund Freud. However, the former highly differed from the latter in two respects, namely, 1) the assumption that children are active explorers who are driven to adapt to their environment instead of slaves of biological urges, and 2) less emphasis put on sexual urges. Erickson (as cited in Shaffer, 2008, p. 41) asserted that individuals are confronted with eight major conflicts or crisis. Each conflict emerged at a particular time dictated by social demands and biological maturation. This crisis must be successfully resolved for individuals to be prepared to the next life crisis (Shaffer, 2008, p. 41). Erickson puts importance on the social interaction at each stage of psychosocial development. Healthy social interaction in the previous psychosocial stages leads to smoother development in the present stage. Meanwhile, the conflict of trust vs. mistrust, which is poorly resolved due to lack of loving mother-infant relationship may be likely revisited late in life (as cited in Pressley & McCormick, 2007, p. 145). However, a healthy and supportive relationship later in life leads to more trust in the present compared to trust manifested in earlier life. Thus, Erickson considered adaptations as common across the lifespan (as cited in Pressley & McCormick, 2007, p. 145). 6.0 The work of Dix, Pinel and Tuke I strongly believe that individuals should be given appropriate care and treatment regardless of their mental condition. However, such right was denied in the past as individuals who are suffering from emotional and mental disorders are confined in asylums in miserable condition without proper treatment. Some lived as itinerant paupers who were driven from one town to another. This atmosphere changed as Philippe Pinel became appointed in the biggest mental hospital in France in 1783. He fostered the principles of equality, liberty, and fraternity in his task as a director (as cited in Palmo, 2006). Pinel did not physically restraint those who do not pose danger to themselves and to others. In addition, he developed a manner of classifying disorders as well as advocated the occupational therapy as a supplement to treatment (as cited in Palmo, 2006). The rates of individuals who are cured significantly increased during his term as a director. Meanwhile, a Quaker and philanthropist named William Tuke established the York Retreat in the U.S. The retreat serves as a safe haven for those who are suffering from emotional disorders (as cited Palmo, 2006, p. 6). The work of Dorothea Dix was highly influenced by Tuke, Pinel, and Rush. She taught Sunday school in East Cambridge Jail at the age of 39. She was appalled by the condition where the patients were kept (Ikiugu & Ciaravino, 2007, p. 8). She saw drunks, criminals, prostitutes, and those who are mentally live together in an unfurnished, unheated, and foul smelling quarters. She later inquired why the patients were kept in such horrible conditions; however, her concerns fell on deaf ears (Ikiugu & Ciaravino, 2007, p. 8). She was enraged by the lack of concern given to these individuals, so she began advocating the improvement of mental health institutions. Her advocacy led to the expansion of reforms and mental health institutions (Ikiugu & Ciaravino, 2007, p. 8). 7.0 Conclusion I desired to be known as a psychologist rather than a psychiatrist as the latter uses unnatural means of treating the client. In Hippocrates point of view, this interference may inflict more harm than good to the client. Studies showed that antidepressants and other drugs are associated with serious side effects. I adhered to the Hippocratic Oath that physicians must ensure that client is not inflicted with any harm; thus, I prefer to employ talk therapy and counseling to treat my clients. Principles of classical conditioning can also be used as a natural means of treating the client’s problems. Systematic desensitization, which is founded on classical conditioning, effectively addresses the client’s phobia and anxiety. These techniques mirror my stance regarding the issue of the most effective way of addressing the clients’ concerns. I also recommend diet, herbal remedies, and exercise in alleviating the clients’ problems. Dr. Atkins asserted that poor nutrition leads to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Thus, he advised changing the clients’ diet to eliminate anxiety and depression. Herbal remedies are also found to be effective in calming nerves. Meanwhile, mental health practitioners considered exercise as less costly compared to drug therapy. My support for diet, herbal remedies, and exercise represent my stance on the issue of the relationship of the mind and body. I adhere to Descartes view that the body highly influences the mind instead of vice versa. Thus, these natural means of keeping our body healthy may positively affect our thoughts. My stance in nature vs. nurture debate is reflected on my support for Erickson's Psychosocial development. Unlike the deterministic nature of Freud’s theory, Erickson argued that individuals possess the ability to adapt to their environments. In addition, he also stressed the importance of social interactions in each stage of development. A poorly resolved conflict due to poor quality of social interaction may be eliminated through healthy relationship in the present. Lastly, I believe that all individuals possess the right to be given appropriate treatment and care regardless of their mental conditions. The views of Dix, Pinel, and Tuke paralleled my perspective regarding the issue of whether individuals with mental conditions possess the same rights with those who have no mental illnesses. It is quite known to many that individuals who are mentally ill are previously housed in foul smelling and unheated quarters without any appropriate care and treatment. Thus, their condition worsened and they eventually succumb to death in that miserable condition. There is a need to recognize their right for equal treatment and care. References Barlow, D. H., & Durand, M. (2011). Abnormal Psychology: An integrative approach. USA: Cengage Learning. Biddle, S., Fox, K., & Boutcher, S. (2002). Physical activity and psychological well-being. USA: Routledge. Davis, J. L. (2004). Drug vs. Talk Therapy for depression. WebMD. Retrieved from. http://www.webmd.com/depression/news/20040907/drug-vs-talk-therapy-for-depression Hergenhahn, B. R. (2008). An introduction to the history of Psychology. USA: Cengage Learning. Horwitz, A. V., & Scheid, T. (1999). A Handbook for the study of mental health: Social contexts, theories, and systems. UK: Cambridge University. Ikiugu, M., & Ciaravino, E. A. (2007). Psychological conceptual practice models in occupational therapy: Building adaptive capability. USA: Elsevier Health Sciences. Liebert, M. A. (1998). Alternative & complementary therapies, Volume 4. USA: Mary Ann Liebert Inc. Null, G. (2002). The food-mood-body connection: Nutrition-based and environmental approaches to mental health and physical wellbeing. USA: Seven Stories Press. Palmo, A. (2006). 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