Ego Psychological Theory of Medical Hypnotherapy 1 - Why study history?
Ego Psychological Theory of Medical Hypnotherapy (Review of Erika Fromm's work)
Why study history?
One of the advantages to the study of the history in any discipline is that it helps a researcher gain perspective and integration that would not be possible by any other means. The perspectives acquired by knowledge of the past are greater and more informed than perspectives acquired by the present alone.
Knowledge of the history of psychology in this case will make it possible to understand influences, developments, and relations such that our total perspective is much more informed, inclusive, and whole. Taking into consideration the vast knowledge and perspective gained from the study of the history of a discipline, does away with the need for any other justification.
Interest in the history of psychology has been rising since the 1960’s. Before that time, works on the history of psychology were limited to the interests and endeavors of a few individuals.
Boring’s (1929) classic, A History of Experimental Psychology and Roback’s (1961), History of Psychology and Psychiatry are examples of books written on the history of psychology that are a collection of names or anthologies. Courses in the history of psychology became more popular in graduate studies since Boring’s text (Vinney, 1993).
History and Systems courses use texts such as the aforementioned to convey facts and other information. Unfortunately, these texts lack any cultural context which would provide the student with a more comprehensive understanding of how events, history and people are interrelated. In the study of psychology, the cultural and historic context seems to be forgotten or dismissed as being of less significance.
The training of psychiatrists and psychologists revolves around facts and information and does not provide the historical constituents of any given theory within a cultural context. Hence, psychologists may not obtain the knowledge of those who came and contributed before them. Consequently, history all too frequently reveals that our discovery is only a rediscovery of something that was known long ago.
Psychiatrists and Psychologists who do not study the history of their discipline may erroneously believe at some point that they have developed new theories, techniques and methods in their practice and not recognize the evolvement of their presume original psychological thought.
Studying history provides a basis for the awareness of the errors of our predecessors, it also helps us keep our thinking straight. As Henle (1976) warns “If we cling to our ignorance of history, error crushed to earth, will rise again, and we will have to go on solving the same old problems again and again”.
Historical research has significant implications for psychological research. The origins of psychology must be understood in order for researchers to place their theories and research into appropriate contexts. It is essential to know and understand psychological accomplishments, contexts, and past trends in order to gain perspective on our present and future directions.
“The chief reasons for studying the history of psychology have to do with the development of necessary perspective” (Wertheimer, 1980, p. 20). Sigmund Freud stated in his book, The Future of an Illusion, “ the less we know about the past and the present, the more insecure must prove our judgment of the future” (Freud, 1957, p. 5).
Again emphasis is made on the importance of the study of history to our comprehensive understanding of the present and to better guide us in future decision.
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