Ch 8 – The History of Applied Psychology
Table of Contents
Change in the Treatment of Mental Health Problems 2
Psychological Testing 4
The Psychology of Work and Organization 6
The Lure of Idealizing Classic Studies 7
1
, Change in the Treatment of Mental Health Problems
Before WWII
Psychologists were largely excluded from treatment (reserved to practitioners with a medical
degree); their main task was to administer psychological tests. Also, there were a few university-
related treatment centers run by psychologists. Psychology was more concerned to its status as a
science, rather than as a profession.
Mental health problems and psychoanalysis did become popular psychology courses and the
term clinical psychology was coined to refer to the branch of psychology applying psychological
knowledge to the assessment and treatment of mental disorders.
During WWII
Psychologists become more involved in treatment due to the increased need for advice (who is
prone to shell shock) and treatment related to shell shock (i.e., anxiety response on battlefield
that prevents soldiers from functioning properly).
In this context, Rogers proposes client-centered therapy as an alternative to psychoanalysis.
Client-centered therapy: clients search for solutions to their problems by talking them through
with a listening, understanding and supporting therapist.
This therapeutic approach is based on a personality theory which stressed that humans are driven by a force called
self-actualization. He, together with Maslow OR SOMETHING, is the co-founder of humanistic psychology.
Characteristics of a good counsellor:
• Unconditional positive regard: non-judgmental support
• Empathic understanding: ensuring that one understands the client’s thoughts and feelings
• Congruence: genuine support and understanding, not just the implementation of a
therapeutic technique
2
Table of Contents
Change in the Treatment of Mental Health Problems 2
Psychological Testing 4
The Psychology of Work and Organization 6
The Lure of Idealizing Classic Studies 7
1
, Change in the Treatment of Mental Health Problems
Before WWII
Psychologists were largely excluded from treatment (reserved to practitioners with a medical
degree); their main task was to administer psychological tests. Also, there were a few university-
related treatment centers run by psychologists. Psychology was more concerned to its status as a
science, rather than as a profession.
Mental health problems and psychoanalysis did become popular psychology courses and the
term clinical psychology was coined to refer to the branch of psychology applying psychological
knowledge to the assessment and treatment of mental disorders.
During WWII
Psychologists become more involved in treatment due to the increased need for advice (who is
prone to shell shock) and treatment related to shell shock (i.e., anxiety response on battlefield
that prevents soldiers from functioning properly).
In this context, Rogers proposes client-centered therapy as an alternative to psychoanalysis.
Client-centered therapy: clients search for solutions to their problems by talking them through
with a listening, understanding and supporting therapist.
This therapeutic approach is based on a personality theory which stressed that humans are driven by a force called
self-actualization. He, together with Maslow OR SOMETHING, is the co-founder of humanistic psychology.
Characteristics of a good counsellor:
• Unconditional positive regard: non-judgmental support
• Empathic understanding: ensuring that one understands the client’s thoughts and feelings
• Congruence: genuine support and understanding, not just the implementation of a
therapeutic technique
2
