RESEARCH

In clinical psychology
 Contents
Table Of Contents

01 The Begininngs 03 After the Wars

02 Between the Wars 04 Modern Era

 The
Beginnings
The origins of psychology can be traced back to ancient Greek
philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, who explored questions related to
the mind, consciousness, and behavior.
During the Renaissance, thinkers such as René Descartes and John
Locke made significant contributions to the understanding of the mind
and the concept of empiricism.
In the early 1930s, Lazarsfeld introduced research through the use of
surveys by conducting a study of Marienthal, a small industrial town
near Vienna which suffered from a high unemployment rate. In 1933,
he published a paper titled “Marienthal: The Sociography of an
Unemployed Community, which gives insight into Lazarsfeld’s ability to
combine quantitative and qualitative approaches.
 Intro
Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theories, emerging around the
same time, brought a qualitative dimension to research.
The mid-20th century ushered in behaviorism, spearheaded by B.F.
Skinner, emphasizing observable behaviors and measurable
outcomes. This era witnessed a surge in experimental designs,
reinforcing the scientific foundation of clinical psychology
research.
Simultaneously, humanistic psychology, with figures like Carl
Rogers, introduced qualitative approaches, fostering a more
holistic understanding of individuals.
The latter half of the 20th century witnessed the advent of
evidence-based practices became a hallmark, promoting
Intro
empirically supported treatments through systematic research and
clinical trials.
In the contemporary landscape, clinical psychology research is
characterized by its interdisciplinary nature. Advances in
neuroscience and genetics have opened new frontiers, providing
unprecedented insights into the biological underpinnings of mental
disorders.

Moreover, the emphasis on cultural sensitivity and diversity in

research has broadened the scope of inquiry. Researchers today
navigate a landscape that integrates technological innovations,
globalization, and nuanced understandings of individual
differences.
 Between the wars
Research in mental health during wars has been crucial due to the psychological impact of conflict on individuals and
communities. Here's an overview of mental health research during different wars:
World War I:
1. Shell Shock Studies:
Significant attention was given to the psychological effects of war, known as "shell shock" or "war neurosis."
Researchers like W.H.R. Rivers in the UK studied soldiers' mental health, pioneering treatments and
understanding trauma.
World War II:
1. Understanding Combat Stress Reactions:
Mental health studies expanded to understand combat stress reactions, including acute stress and combat
fatigue.
Efforts were made to differentiate between normal reactions to war stress and severe mental health issues.
2. Treatment Advancements:
Psychiatric treatment approaches evolved during WWII, incorporating psychoanalytic techniques, behavior
modification, and supportive therapy for soldiers.
Establishment of Clinical Psychology:
• Post-WWI Transition: After WWI, there was a shift in focus from treating soldiers' war-
related psychological issues to broader mental health concerns in the general population.
• Psychoanalysis Influence: Freud's psychoanalytic theories gained traction, influencing clinical
practices and research methodologies.
Psychological Testing and Assessment:
• Intelligence Testing: The work of psychologists like Alfred Binet and Lewis Terman led to the
development of intelligence tests, including the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales.
• Personality Assessment: Henry Murray's work on personality and Thematic Apperception Test
(TAT) development contributed to understanding individual differences.
Institutional Changes and Legislation:
• Mental Health Institutions: There was a transition from large-scale, asylum-based mental
health care to a movement for smaller, community-based facilities.
• Mental Health Legislation: Various countries introduced legislation to address mental health
concerns, emphasizing humane treatment and patient rights.
 After The Wars
After World War Il in the 1940s, clinical psychology experienced significant developments and transformations.
Key aspects of the history of research in clinical psychology during this period include:
1. Veterans Administration (VA) and Psychiatric
Research:
• The influx of returning veterans led to increased attention and funding for mental health research, particularly
within the Veterans Administration. Research on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and psychological effects
of war became prominent.

2. Behaviorism and Rise of Clinical Psychology:

• Behaviorism, led by figures like B.F. Skinner, influenced the field, emphasizing observable behaviors and
empirical research. Clinical psychology expanded beyond psychoanalysis, adopting more objective and
experimental approaches.

3. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM):

• The first edition of the DSM was published in 1952, marking a crucial step in standardizing diagnostic criteria for
mental disorders. This manual laid the foundation for systematic classification and diagnosis in clinical
psychology.
 4. Humanistic Psychology:
• In contrast to behaviorism, the 1940s 7. Psychopharmacology and Biological
saw the emergence of humanistic Approaches:
psychology, with figures like Carl • The introduction of psychotropic
Rogers and Abraham Maslow. This 6. Cognitive Revolution: medications in the late 1940s, such as
approach focused on the individual's • Toward the end of the 1940s, the chlorpromazine for treating psychosis,
subjective experience and self- cognitive revolution gained revolutionized the field by
actualization, influencing therapeutic momentum, challenging behaviorism. incorporating biological perspectives
practices. Cognitive psychology emphasized into the understanding and treatment
5. Integration of Clinical Psychology internal mental processes, influencing of mental illnesses.
and how clinical psychologists 8. Community Mental Health
Medicine: approached understanding and Movement:
• There was a growing collaboration treating mental disorders. • The seeds of the community mental
between clinical psychologists and health movement were planted during
medical professionals. Research and this time.
interventions began to address the Researchers and practitioners began
interaction between psychological and emphasizing the importance of
physical health, marking the early community-based care and prevention
stages of health psychology. of mental health issues.
 Modern Era

Over time, there has been a major change in clinical psychology research to keep
up with changing societal needs, technology advancements, and our growing
awareness of the complex nature of mental health. The following are some
significant ways that clinical psychology research has changed in the
contemporary era
1980s-1990s: DSM-III and Evidence-Based Practice
DSM-III: The third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders (DSM-III) was published in 1980, introducing a more standardized
and reliable classification system for mental disorders.
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP): The EBP movement gained momentum,
emphasizing the integration of research evidence with clinical expertise and
client values in decision-making.

1990s-2000s: Advances in Neuroscience and Pharmacotherapy

Neuroscientific Advances: Increasing use of neuroimaging techniques allowed
researchers to study the neural basis of mental disorders, bridging the gap
between neuroscience and clinical psychology.
Pharmacotherapy: The development of new psychotropic medications and a
focus on psychopharmacology led to advancements in the treatment of
various mental health disorders.
2000s-2010: Technology and Digital Mental Health
Digital Mental Health: The 21st century saw a surge in research exploring the
effectiveness of digital interventions, including online therapy, mobile apps,
and virtual reality, to improve accessibility and affordability of mental health
care.
Precision Medicine: The rise of precision medicine brought a focus on individual
differences, including genetics and neurobiology, to tailor interventions to
specific characteristics of individuals.

2010s -Present: Telehealth Expansion and Transdiagnostic Approaches

Telehealth Expansion: The expansion of telehealth services, accelerated by the
COVID-19 pandemic, has become a prominent area of research, exploring the
effectiveness and accessibility of remote mental health interventions.
Transdiagnostic Approaches: There is a growing interest in transdiagnostic
approaches that address common underlying mechanisms across different
mental health disorders, allowing for more efficient and flexible treatment
strategies.
THANK YOU
By Group Fauget