The history of modern psychology spans centuries, with the earliest known mention of clinical depression appearing in 1500 BCE on an ancient Egyptian manuscript known as the Ebers Papyrus. However, it wasn't until the 11th century that Persian physician Avicenna made a connection between emotions and physical responses in a practice dubbed "physiological psychology." Show
Understanding the history of modern psychology provides insight into how this field has developed and evolved over time. It also gives a better understanding of the thought processes of some of the most influential figures in the field, ultimately emerging into psychology as we know it today. The Birth of Modern PsychologySome say that modern psychology was born in the 18th century, which is largely due to William Battie's "Treatise on Madness," published in 1758. Others consider the mid-19th century experiments conducted in Hermann von Helmholtz's lab to be the origin of modern psychology. Still others suggest that modern psychology began in 1879 when Wilhelm Wundt—also known as the father of modern psychology—established the first experimental psychology lab. From that moment forward, the study of psychology would evolve, as it still does today. Important Events in the History of Modern PsychologyA number of important, landmark events highlight psychology's transformation throughout the years. 19th CenturyIn the 19th century, psychology was established as an empirical, accepted science. While measures would change, the model of research and evaluation would begin to take shape within this 100-year time span.
1900 to 1950The first half of the 20th century was dominated by two major figures: Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. During this segment of modern psychology's history, these two theorists established the foundation of analysis, including Freud's examination of psychopathology and Jung's analytic psychology.
1950 to 2000The latter half of the 20th century centered around the standardization of diagnostic criteria for mental illness. The hallmark of this process was the publication of the American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This foundational tool is still in use in modern psychology and helps direct diagnosis and treatment.
21st CenturyWith the advent of genetic science, psychologists began grappling with the ways in which physiology and genetics contribute to a person's psychological being in the 21st century.
Modern Psychology TodayThanks to the contributions of the many experts along the way, the field of modern psychology has expanded into multiple subdivisions or specializations. Some of the numerous branches in modern psychology as it stands right now are:
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Additional Reading
By Kendra Cherry
Thanks for your feedback! Why did psychologists of the early 1900s stop defining psychology as the study of the mind?Why did psychologist of the early 1900s stop defining psychology as the study of the mind? Research deals only with the observable.
Why did clinical psychology increase in prominence just after World War II?Why did clinical psychology increase in prominence just after World War II? The need for help was greater than psychiatrists could supply.
Why did many of the earliest psychological researchers study sensation?Early psychological research focused mainly on sensation because sensation is central to experience and because the early researchers believed that sensation questions were answerable.
How did the object of study in psychology change over the history of the field since the 19th century?How did the object of study in psychology change over the history of the field since the 19th century? In its early days, psychology could be defined as the scientific study of mind or mental processes. Over time, psychology began to shift more towards the scientific study of behavior.
|