...Running head: EXAMINATION OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY Examination of Clinical Psychology University of Phoenix PST/480 Karen Wilson Nov 14, 2011 Examination of Clinical Psychology Clinical psychology is a very important as well as popular part of the field of psychology that is used very often. To begin, a definition of clinical psychology will be included. According to APA (2009) “Clinical psychology attempts to use the principles of psychology to better understand, predict, and alleviate ‘intellectual, emotional, biological, psychological, social, and behavioral aspects of human functioning’” (Plante, 2011, p. 5). The following paper will first describe the history and evolving nature of clinical psychology. Second, the role of research and statistics in clinical psychology will be addressed. Finally, the differences between clinical psychology and other mental health professions will be examined. Clinical psychology provides an insight into the human psyche and how we as individuals can deal with different aspects of the world around us. The first item to be discussed is the history and evolving nature of clinical psychology. History of Clinical Psychology Clinical psychology has been around unofficially for hundreds of years. People have always had mental or emotional problems in the past, but there was never a name to go with the problem. Psychology has been around since 2500 B.C. but during that time period people used magic, herbs, reasoning...
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...Examination of Clinical Psychology Paper Psy 480 Dr. Gurinder Bolina Examination of Clinical Psychology Paper Clinical Psychology has been a major part of our history from the Greek philosophers to Sigmund Freud to our modern day psychologist and philosophers; our knowledge about psychology and how information has been drawn from others has been evolving. During Clinical Psychology, psychologists find new clinical interventions by gathering information and philosophical aspects through data. In this paper, there will be not the history of this psychology but the differences between the medical health professions and clinical psychology. According to James, J. and James, M. (1991), “Although, various distinctions exist between clinical psychologists and other psychological disciplines, all endure to promote a better quality of life from and for the human spirit.” The History of Clinical Psychology The Greeks developed the first ideas of psychology. Three philosophers named Aristotle, Hippocrates, and Plato believed that a person’s individual body reacts from the individual’s soul being in charge and that if a person becomes ill ;especially, physically ill means that the person was suffering something within their soul that is resulting in them being this way. According to Plante, T. G. (2011), “The way the Greeks were able to understand how disease transported was not controlled by the gods but, because of social, biological, and psychological effects exchanged between...
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...Examination of Clinical Psychology Robin Slagel PSY/480 May 18, 2015 Janice Williams Examination of Clinical Psychology Within the many diverse disciplines and sub-disciplines of psychology it may be that within clinical psychology the whole of the search for the study of why human beings think and behave as they do from time immemorial can be seen. For all of the early searches and understandings regarding science, philosophy, and medicine have been intertwined with what is currently understood about clinical psychology and all that may be discovered in the future will also have connection to those earlier gestations. Therefore to have a fuller comprehension of clinical psychology it is important to have an understanding of its history and how the science has evolved, emerged, and matured through time. As important would be the ability to lend a sense of credence and validity to the study of the human mind and resultant behaviors through clinical psychology by learning something about the role of studious research and concrete statistical evidence. Last there must be a substantive discussion and understanding of how clinical psychology differs from other explorations and disciplines into the thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors of the human mind and brain. Clinical Psychology Overview It may be said that clinical psychology is just one specific form of psychology wherein the clinician uses the tenets and precepts of the psychological...
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...Examination of Clinical Psychology Jessica Brockman PSY/480 October 3, 2011 Stacie Flynn Examination of Clinical Psychology The word clinical comes from the Greek word klinike, which means “medical practice at the sickbed” (Maddux, 2008, p. 56), the word psychology comes from the word psyche, which means “soul or mind” (Maddux, 2008, p. 56). Clinical Psychology is “the assessment, treatment, and understanding of psychological and behavioral problems and disorders” (Plante, 2011, p. 5). Clinical psychology has a rich history compiled with information derived from philosophy, biology, and science. In this paper the history and the evolving nature of clinical psychology will be described as well as an explanation of the role research and statistics has on clinical psychology, and a comparison of clinical psychology to other mental health profession. The History of Clinical Psychology Greek history presented a background of early Greek thinkers, who acknowledged an interconnection between the mind and body as well as the influence the interconnection has on illnesses. One of the first contributors to psychology came from Hippocrates, who believed disease, temperament, and personality originated from an imbalance within four humors that he called black bile, yellow bile, phlegm, and blood within an individual’s environment (Plante, 2011). Hippocrates also suggested that abnormal behavior, physical, and emotional illnesses were influenced by biological, psychological,...
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...Examination of Clinical Psychology Steven Billingsley University of Phoenix PSY 480 Cindy Fouhy 02/01/14 Examination of Clinical Psychology Clinical psychology is an area of psychology which seeks to find and understand the various behavioral problems humans possess, and the possible psychological problems and disorders. “According to the APA, clinical psychology attempts to use the principles of psychology to better understand, predict, and alleviate intellectual, emotional, biological, psychological, social, and behavioral aspects of human functioning (APA, 2009a)”(Plante, 2011, pg. 5). For one to gain a better understanding of clinical psychology, the history and evolving nature of clinical psychology must be discussed, the role of research and statistics must be explained, and the differences between clinical psychology and other mental health professions must be discussed. The items listed will be addressed and examined throughout this paper. History of Clinical Psychology In the later part of the 1800’s, psychology was being discovered in several laboratories in different universities. The field of psychology was insisting and leaning more on pure science as the main practice, but a former student of Wilhelm Wundt, named Lightner Witmer, made an impact and changed that view on psychology (Pickren, 2009). Lightner Whitmer in charge of the psychology department in the University of Pennsylvania. Whitmer began to work with a boy who had problems with spelling...
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...Examination of Clinical Psychology Mileva Repasky August 25, 2014 PSY 480 John Colyar Examination of Clinical Psychology Psychology itself involves many theories, outcomes, and studies involving behaviors. Clinical psychology involves licensed individuals who use their knowledge and expertise of human behavior to address and treat issues or concerns in an individual’s life. Our text describes clinical psychology as “the aspect of psychological science and practice concerned with the analysis, treatment, and prevention of human psychological disabilities” (Plante, 2010, p.7). Clinical psychology is used to treat mental health problems using the scientific method. Clinical psychology has a very diverse history and continues to evolve through research and continually advancing statistics in this field. As this branch of psychology continues to evolve there are many similarities and differences that are shared with many other health professions. History and Evolution of Clinical Psychology Though the aspects of psychology have been present throughout our history, the actual field of psychology and clinical psychology was not recognized as a science until the late 1800’s. Psychology became a distinct discipline in 1892 when the American Psychological Association was formed; clinical psychology was named a specialty four years later. In 1896 the first psychological clinic was open in Pennsylvania by Lightner Witmer who became the first psychologist who treated an individual...
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...Examination of Clinical Psychology Savannah Slayton PSY480 February 23, 2015 Professor Lori Hale Clinical Psychology General psychology is like many disciplines, consisting of an array of subgroups. Within psychology there are psychologist who counsel within school psychologist, social psychologist, and developmental psychologist. A clinical psychologist is described as an individual who performs group or individual therapy, conducts survey to determine psychiatric symptoms, assesses personality, and measures intelligence. When clinical psychologist are not conducting therapy or assessing clients many psychologist are researching mental health disorders. Clinical psychologist are often employed by universities to research and develop and test prevention or treatment of mental health disorders. Other clinical psychologist are instructors or professors who teach psychology to undergraduate and graduate students (Witmer, 1996). Clinical Psychology History The field of psychology developed during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The development of psychology allowed the foundation of clinical psychology to form. Increased interest in the study of the human mind helped psychology develop. Sir Francis Galton became of the first individuals to research and study mental ability. After only a few years Wilhelm Wundt established the first psychology laboratory in Germany. In the United States, William James developed the first psychology laboratory. As laboratories began to establish...
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...The field of clinical psychology focuses on diagnosing mental disorders and determining the proper method for properly treating the particular illness. Clinical psychologists access their patients by interviewing and observing them as well as administering psychological tests. They further utilize applicable research findings in order to ultimately make a proper diagnose and develop the proper treatment plan. Clinical psychology also aides psychologists “to better understand, predict, and alleviate the intellectual, emotional, biological, psychological, social, and behavioral aspects of human functioning” (APA, 2010). The clinical field of psychology helps many individuals to cope with difficulties in their life that affect them in significant ways such as a life changing experience like a divorce or loss of a loved one. According to Plante, (2011), “clinical psychologists are consulted for situations such as divorce, death, learning disorders, etc. Studies in the clinical psychology field are aimed at enhancing personal adjustment and effectiveness" (p. 1). History and Evolution of Clinical Psychology The world and how we, as humans, know and understand it today, was not always what was believed by individuals in history. Before psychology and all of its branches and sub-categories were established, many individuals had their own way in answering questions about illness and mental stability. For example, the Greeks began using holistic approaches in 470 B.C, which focused on...
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...Examination of Clinical Psychology Paper Tammy Poe PSY 480 University of Phoenix April, 23, 2012 Ross Seligman Examination of Clinical Psychology Paper Clinical psychology is a branch of psychology that involves the concern with assessing and treating abnormal behavior, mental illness, and other psychiatric disorders. Clinical psychology is the science of psychology. Clinical psychologists treat young children to the elderly, individuals or families, thus, an individual’s socioeconomic status is not an issue in the decision-making process of whether or not an individual should receive treatment. There is a broad range of specialties that clinical psychologists deal with, such as individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, or individuals coping with his or her personal issues, such as going through a divorce or losing a job. Clinical psychologists allow patients the opportunity to express his or her anger or frustrations while assisting the patient in understanding and controlling his or her situation in a healthy manner. Psychologists have the knowledge and skill in using a variety of methods developed to help patients, depending on the psychologist’s area of expertise. History of Clinical Psychology Established in the 1800s, psychology has been known since 2500 B.C. During this time, the approach to examining mental health involved holistic, supernatural, medical, and religious aspects. The father...
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...Examination of Clinical Psychology Paper Scientific history has provided extraordinary events for medical research and development, including discovering of psychology and other natural sciences. The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates was the first scientist to explain the correlation between disease and dysfunctions (Plante, 2005). Hippocrates proposed that there was imbalances in four fluids humans have, therefore emotions, and psychological malfunctions can be developed in humans and require special treatments to help to balance the fluids back to normal. Greek scientist joined the Hippocrates studies and did more research to find relationships and seek for the right treatment. Plato and Aristotle were among the scientists who formulated that some physical illness can result from the soul (Plante, 2005, P. 34). Unfortunately, during the Middle Ages many diseases were untreated because most mental issues were related to the soul and medical help was never seek. It was believe that insanity was just a lost soul in hell and that there was no cure for the individual. Sigmund Freud had a better explanation about the mind/body association by generating a better understanding to have a full understanding of illness in relation to abnormal behavior (Plante, 2005, P. 46). It was clear that Psychology was developing a huge impact in the medicine field but it was until 1879 when Wilhelm Wundt opened the first laboratory in Germany to increase the research and development in the Psychology...
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...that the psychologists might make a mistake that could ruin their research. Through this course it will be explained the different assumption and questions that psychologists look at during their research. Psychological Tests “Psychological tests are written, visual, or verbal evaluations administered to assess the cognitive and emotional functioning of children and adults. Psychological tests are used to assess a variety of mental abilities and attributes, including achievement and ability, personality, and neurological functioning” (Psychological Tests, 2012). Some examples of psychological tests include; mental ability, achievement, personality, interests and attitudes, and neurological. Some of the context that these tests include; clinical, educational, research, and personal. Within these tests it is crucial that the information provided to individuals is true and accurate (or valid and reliable). Achievement Tests According to The Free Dictionary (2012), for children, academic achievement, ability, and intelligence tests may be used as a tool in school placement, in determining the presence of a learning disability or a developmental delay, in identifying giftedness, or in tracking intellectual development. Intelligence testing may be used with adults to determine vocational ability (e.g., in career counseling) or to assess adult intellectual...
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...Examination of Clinical Psychology Lisa Brown PSY/480 April 6, 2015 William Philadelphia Examination of Clinical Psychology This paper will be providing an examination of clinical psychology. This examination will include discussing the history and evolving nature of clinical psychology, the role of research and statistics in clinical psychology, and the differences between clinical psychology and other mental health professions such as social work, psychiatry, and school psychology. History of Clinical Psychology The field of psychology was born in 1892 with the American Psychological Association being founded. Clinical psychology was born four years later, in 1896 with the first psychological clinic being opened at the University of Pennsylvania. Lightner Witmer opened this clinic and provided the ability to apply psychological philosophy to human illness (Reisman, 1991). Many of Witmer’s colleagues did not like the idea of using the science of psychology on real clinical problems. Even though Witmer’s thoughts and ideas were not well received at that time, he was still able to open the clinic and provide programs for children struggling with school-related issues (Plante, 2011). The development of tests to help explore the mental abilities in children grew with the Binet-Simon intelligence scale that was created for testing children in 1904. The scale was renamed Stanford-Binet in 1916 when a psychologist at Stanford University revised the scale...
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...Examination of Clinical Psychology Justin Yates Elements of Clinical Psychology August 19, 2014 Dawn Smith Examination of Clinical Psychology Out of all the intriguing fields of psychology to study and examine, clinical psychology is perhaps one of the most interesting to elucidate. With its roots stemming back to the philosophy of the one and only Sigmund Freud, clinical psychology has progress to a modern psychology saturate with elements of research from philosophy, science, and other useful means of examinations. Scientific advances are continuing to make strides toward transforming clinical psychology into clinical interventions that help and treat human needs and different challenges. Although clinical psychology differs in many ways from the other fields of psychology, it does hold one key attribute that all the others hold and that is promoting the quality of life for all humans. In this paper a brief history of clinical psychology will be provided. This paper will also illuminate the evolution of nature of clinical psychology. This paper will also examine the role that research and statistics play in clinical psychology. Lastly, this paper will discuss how clinical psychology differs from all the other disciplines on psychology. When examining clinical psychology it is imperative to understand what exactly clinical psychology is. Clinical psychology is a mixture of science, clinical knowledge, and or theories working together to help understand psychologically...
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...Examination of Clinical Psychology PSY/480 Examination of Clinical Psychology Clinical psychology is a profession that focuses on helping individuals with various troubles and concerns they experience during their relationships, emotions, and physical selves. One example of what a clinical psychologist can do is to see if a child has a learning disability or an attention problem that might contribute to poor school performance by using intellectual and educational tests (Plante, 2011). In this paper, the history of clinical psychology will be examined as well as its role of research and statistics. In addition, clinical psychology will be furthered examined and how it differs from other mental professions such as social work, psychiatry, and school psychology. The field of clinical psychology was founded in 1896 by Lightner Witmer (1867–1956) who opened the first psychological clinic at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1888, Witmer completed his undergraduate studies and earned his PhD in psychology at the University of Leipzig (Plante, 2011). Further he returned to the University of Pennsylvania to become director of their psychology laboratory. He applied his principles of human behavior to help a student that was not performing well in school and as a result, found out he had trouble in spelling, reading, and memory, and recommended tutoring, which later proved to be a successful intervention (Plante, 2011). He focused on assisting children with primarily school-related...
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...Examination of Clinical Psychology PSY/480 Examination of Clinical Psychology Clinical psychology is a profession that focuses on helping individuals with various troubles and concerns they experience during their relationships, emotions, and physical selves. One example of what a clinical psychologist can do is to see if a child has a learning disability or an attention problem that might contribute to poor school performance by using intellectual and educational tests (Plante, 2011). In this paper, the history of clinical psychology will be examined as well as its role of research and statistics. In addition, clinical psychology will be furthered examined and how it differs from other mental professions such as social work, psychiatry, and school psychology. The field of clinical psychology was founded in 1896 by Lightner Witmer (1867–1956) who opened the first psychological clinic at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1888, Witmer completed his undergraduate studies and earned his PhD in psychology at the University of Leipzig (Plante, 2011). Further he returned to the University of Pennsylvania to become director of their psychology laboratory. He applied his principles of human behavior to help a student that was not performing well in school and as a result, found out he had trouble in spelling, reading, and memory, and recommended tutoring, which later proved to be a successful intervention (Plante, 2011). He focused on assisting children with primarily school-related...
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