Psychology is a relatively new field of science, that has its experimental roots originating in the 19th century.

It’s the scientific study of mind and behaviour.

Psychologists are actively involved in the studying and understanding of mental processes, brain functions, and human behaviour.

Let’s talk about the history of psychology.

What Is The History Of Psychology?

Why Is Studying Psychology Useful?

Psychology is a varied field, and the benefits are wide ranging.

Benefits include researching mental health to help enhance well-being, understanding the relationships we form, self-improvement, and battling addiction.

There can also be benefits with our communication with, and understanding of others.

What Are The Roots And History Of Psychology?

We can argue that the history of psychology started with ancient medicine and philosophy, as the great thinkers wondered where our ideas came from, and why we all make different decisions.

Psychology today derives its roots from ancient Greek culture, and it literally translates as the study of the mind.

Although Sigmund Freud is one of the most famous psychologists in history, it is Wilhelm Wundt who is considered the father of psychology.

Psychology as we know it as a field of experimental study began in 1854 in Leipzig, Germany.

This is where Wundt established the very first psychology laboratory, and it’s because of him that we have scientific psychology.

When Did Psychology As We Know it Begin?

As mentioned, Wilhelm Wundt opened the Institute for Experimental Psychology at the University of Leipzig in Germany in the mid to late1800’s.

This was the first laboratory dedicated to psychology and is usually thought of as the beginning of modern psychology.

What Was The First Psychology Experiment?

Wundt is credited with conducting the first formal experiment in psychology, when he tried to assess the speed of thought by measuring how long it took test subjects to make a judgment.

What Are The Main Types Of Psychology?

• Clinical psychology (counseling for mental and behavioural health).
• Behavioural psychology (understanding behaviour through different types of conditioning).
• Cognitive psychology (the study of the mental processes).
• Biopsychology (research on the brain, behaviour, and evolution).

Who Are The Best Known Psychologists and What Are Their Theories?

• Ivan Pavlov’s Classical Conditioning Theory.
• Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalysis Theory, and Unconscious Mind Theory.
• Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
• Jean Piaget’s Cognitive Development Theory.
• Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory.

Who Is The Greatest Psychologist Of All Time?

Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) was an Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis.  That’s the clinical method for treating psychopathology that we recognize today through dialogue between a patient and a psychoanalyst.

He is perhaps the most well-known psychologist in history.

He explored the human personality and psyche as it relates to the id, the ego and the superego. One phrase named after him is the Freudian slip.

What Did Sigmund Freud Believe?

In simplistic terms, Sigmund Freud’s theory suggests that human behaviour is influenced by unconscious memories, thoughts, and urges.

The theory also proposes that the psyche comprises three aspects: the id, ego, and superego.

The id is entirely unconscious, while the ego is in the conscious mind.

What Is The Controversy With Carl Jung?

Carl Jung’s most controversial ideas were around his belief in the existence of a collective unconscious.

Critics have described Jung’s work as metaphysical essentialism. His psychology, particularly his thoughts on spirit, lacked the necessary scientific basis, making it mystical and based on foundational truth.

Final Thoughts

Psychology is a fascinating area of study that is very relevant today, as our modern society battles with issues around mental health.

Some of the answers to our problems can be found in the original principles some of these founders helped formulate and are worth revisiting.

Please comment or follow the links, have a great day, thanks for reading.

Sources and other reading:

Why Is It Important To Study Psychology?

What Is Positive Psychology?

How To Make Better Decisions

What Are The Flaws Of The Brain

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