History of Psychology - Assignment Example

History of Psychology History of Psychology Studying the history of psychology can be termed as vital in a number of ways. First, studying the history of psychology plays an essential role in understanding how psychology came to being, the origin of its beliefs, and the role played by psychology in society. The study of the history of psychology also plays a central role in knowing the notable scholars who have made immense contributions in the field of psychology. History of psychology also enables people to know the evolution of the discipline in society, as well as the developments, which have occurred in the field of psychology.

For example, the study of the history of psychology helps people to apply psychological knowledge to problems, which may be facing vulnerable members of society such as children who have special needs (Shiraev, 2010).#2According to Weiner (2012), the use of the systems approach in the discipline of psychology can be termed as essential in a number of ways. First, the systems approach helps in understanding the variability and diversity in society. Secondly, the use of the systems approach helps in emphasizing that the society comprises of several parts, each with a crucial role to play for the survival of the entire system.

The use of the systems approach also helps in understanding that no part of society can survive in isolation. Therefore, the parts need each other for the survival and performance of the entire system. The systems approach also helps in understanding psychology from various perspectives. For example, psychology borrows a lot from various disciplines such as political science, sociology, health and medicine, environmental studies and cultural studies. The other example of how a systems approach can be useful includes when helping a dysfunctional family, where the therapist should understand the members of the family as parts that make up the system.

#3The application of knowledge regarding the history of psychology can be regarded as useful in several ways. The knowledge on the history of psychology helps people to understand the dynamic nature of the discipline. Knowledge of the history of psychology also helps in understanding the various dimensions of understanding human behavior. This knowledge also helps to interpret the cultural and social construction of the discipline of psychology (Weiner, 2012). The knowledge of the history of psychology also helps in understanding the subject matter of the discipline, which mainly involves human beings.

An example of how the knowledge of psychology can be used is when psychiatrists, counselors, and therapists use the historical trends and psychology theories to help clients facing various psychological problems. The knowledge of the history of psychology is also used in psychotherapy whereby the therapist employs the appropriate strategies while dealing with a client’s problems. This is based on the historical trends in psychology, whereby the therapist uses modern psychotherapy (Shiraev, 2010).

#4The case of John entails that of someone who might have been convicted wrongly, given that his case shows that he suffered from mental impairment. The fact that John organized a raid on the Ferry knowing that it could not be successful shows that he was somehow mentally impaired. Therefore, the court could have considered the insanity plea by his defense attorney. Since mental illness seems to be highly prevalent in his family, the possibility of having a mental condition should not be ruled out.

Based on this, therefore, my take is that John suffered from a mental condition. This is well explained by his desire to see an end to slavery, which might have caused an obsession in him (Earle, 2008). ReferencesEarle, J. (2008). John Browns Raid on Harpers Ferry: A Brief History with Documents. New York: Bedford/St. Martins.Shiraev, E. (2010). A History of Psychology: A Global Perspective. London: SAGE Publications, Inc. Weiner, I. B. (2012). Handbook of Psychology, History of Psychology. New York: John Wiley & Sons.