Running head: MILESTONES IN PSYCHOLOGY

Milestones in Psychology
Sarah Peoples
Concorde Career College

MILESTONES IN PSYCHOLOGY

Milestones in Psychology
Psychology is defined as the scientific study of the mental processes of the brain (Wood,
Wood, & Boyd, 2014, p. 3). The history of psychology as a scientific study of the mind and
behavior can be traced back to the Ancient Greeks. However, psychology was considered a
branch of philosophy until the 1870s. At this point, it was created as an independent discipline in
Germany and the United States. Overall, throughout its history many milestones have occurred
that has shaped psychology into the standalone discipline that it is in modern times.
Event in 387 BC
In 387 BC, Plato suggested that the brain is the mechanism of mental processes (Heffner,
n.d., para. 1). Even in contemporary psychology, the study of mental processes serves as a basic
definition of psychology. This event provided the foundation for all psychologists to come.
Without this event occurring, there would not be a guide that serves to tell what the study of
psychology truly is.
Event in 1856
On May 6, a significant day in my life, Sigmund Freud was born. Freud is the most
frequently cited psychologist in modern day psychology (Streets, 2001, para.1).. Despite his
controversial outlook, his concepts of psychological determinism, and unconscious and
emotional motivation, and his psychoanalytic method of treatment have been enduring
contributions in psychology. Much of his theories and concepts have shaped the theories of those
following him.
Event in 1859
In 1859, Charles Darwin published the On the Origin of Species, which described his view
of evolution and theory of the survival of the fittest (Heffner, n.d., para. 8). This body of work

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sought to propose a theory of evolution solely based natural selection. Essentially, Darwin
created an atmosphere of intellectual revolution, which allowed future psychologist to argue and
discuss every struggle facing man and the purpose of mankind in the context of this theory.
Event in 1886
In 1886, Sigmund Freud began performing therapy, which marked the beginning of the
personality theory (Heffner, n.d., para. 16). Often Freud is credited with Sigmund Freud was one
of the trailblazers of modern-day psychology (Wood, et al., 2014, p. 196). As the founder of
Psychoanalysis, he distinguished himself as psychological giant. He established new techniques
for understanding human behavior. Freuds efforts have resulted in a very extensive and
comprehensive theory of personality and psychotherapy ever developed.
Event in 1890
Psychologist James Cattell created mental tests which marked the beginning of utilizing
psychological assessments in 1890 (Heffner, n.d., para. 17). At the heart of psychotherapy
treatment today is the psychological assessment. This event occurrence has set the foundation for
all treatment and therapy today.
Event in 1892
Psychologist G. Stanley Hall along with forty-two other members founded the American
Psychological Association (APA) in 1892 (Heffner, n.d., para. 21). The founding of the
American Psychological Association fostered many changes within the field of psychology in the
United States. Overall, it enabled the field of psychology to be seen a true academic discipline,
while providing an avenue for members to be seen as experts in the field (Wood, et al., 2014, p.
367).
Event in 1945

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In 1945, Connecticut passed licensure legislation for psychologist (Heffner, n.d., para
54). This allowed psychology to be recognized as a protected practice profession in Connecticut.
Many states followed the path created by this legislation and created similar legislation. Today,
psychology is considered a protected practice oriented profession throughout the United States.
Event in 1949
In 1949 at the University of Colorado at Boulder, a group of psychologists met create the
framework for training graduate student in the methods of scientific practice (Heffner, n.d., para.
58). Ultimately, the practitioners at this conference created the scientist-practitioner model,
which sought to increase scientific growth within clinical psychology in the United States. It was
important to create a standard training plan as many psychologists began to receive licensure
rights through state legislation.
Event in 1968
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) offers a common
language and standard criteria for the classification of mental disorders was created in 1968
(Heffner, n.d., para. 61). Researchers, clinicians, health insurance companies, and policy makers
use the DSM as a standard for what is considered a mental disorder (Wood, et al., 2014, p. 395).
Without this standard language much of psychiatric treatment would be up for individual
interpretation.
Event in 1990
On February 27, 1990, the day I was born, Washington v. Harper, the U.S. Supreme
Court decided that the state could treat mentally ill prisoners with antipsychotic drugs against
their will and without a court hearing (Streets, 2001, para.1). This is a significant event because,

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as a student nurse, I am being taught that every patient has the right to refuse medication.
However, in the case of prisoners, who may do harm to others they do not have the same right.
Event in 1995
Psychotropic medication was first prescribed by psychologists through the United States
military psychopharmacology program (Heffner, n.d., para. 71). Psychotropic medication therapy
is a large component of treatment in modern psychology practice today. This event is significant
as it allowed practicing psychologists to fully be a part of the treatment that their patients were
receiving. This advancement allowed for a more comprehensive form of treatment.
Even in 2002
Former President George W. Bush promotes legislation that would guarantee
comprehensive mental health coverage (Heffner, n.d., para. 76). Often health insurance
companies denied mental health coverage and deemed many treatment options as medically
unnecessary. With this move in legislation, many people who suffered from mental illness were
allowed to finally receive treatment without fear of the cost of treatment not being covered.
Conclusion
Overall, psychology has grown from a dependent academic discipline to one that is
largely scientific in nature and practice. Many events have worked to shape it as reputable
discipline and created trusted experts in the field. These milestones have created and defined
psychology in the terms we think of today.

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References

Heffner, C. (n.d.). History of Psychology (387 BC to Present). Retrieved April 08, 2016, from
http://allpsych.com/timeline/
Street, W. R. (2001). February 27 and May 06 in Psychology. Retrieved April 08, 2016, from the
American Psychological Association Historical Database Web site at Central Washington
University: http://www.cwu.edu/~warren/cal0206.html
Wood, S. E., Wood, E. R., & Boyd, D. R. (2014). Mastering the world of psychology (5th ed.).