History of Psychology

Definition

“Psychology is scientific study of behaviour management” (Dr. Rajesh Verma)

“Psychology is defined formally as a science which studies mental processes, experiences and behaviour in different contexts” (NCERT, XI).

“The science of mental life, both of its phenomena and their conditions” (William James, 1880).

Formal beginning of Psychology

“Psychology has a long past, yet its real history is short”- Hermann Ebbinghaus, 1908  

          Psychology began its formal journey with opening of lab in Leipzig in 1879 by Wilhelm Wundt. It was time of ‘Structuralism’ (Analysis of structure of mind through

introspection). The concept didn’t appealed to some psychologists resulting into a new lab at Cambridge. A new approach (William James, 1890) to study mind known as ‘Functionalism’ (Role of mind in functioning of behaviour) came into being.

          Psychology saw a new idea known as ‘Psychoanalysis’ (System to understand and cure psychological disorders) developed by Sigmund Freud in 1900. He suggested that human behaviour is a dynamic manifestation of unconscious desires and conflicts.         Then came ‘Gestalt Psychology’ (Kohler, Koffa and Wertheimer, 1920) (Perceptual experience is more than the sum of the components of the perception).

          In 1910 ‘Behaviourism’ (John Watson) evolved which means focus on what is observable and verifiable. He defined psychology as a study of behaviour or responses which can be measured and studied objectively. BF Skinner, the radical behaviourist applied this concept in a wide range of situations.

          Another perspective known as ‘Humanistic approach’ (Free will of human beings and their natural striving to grow and unfold their inner potential) entered in the psychological domain through the efforts of Carl Rogers, 1951 and Abraham Maslow,1954.        

          The combination of Structuralism and Gestalt approach led to development of ‘Cognitive Perspective’ (Process of knowing) where human mind is viewed as information processing system similar to computer.

The modern cognitive psychology believes that mind is being actively constructed (Constructivism) through physical and social interactions of human beings. Piaget’s theory of cognitive development is constructivist theory.

          Vygotsky suggested that human mind develops through social and cultural processes. It is constructed through interaction of Adult and Child.

          As a result of multiple perspectives, psychology developed into a discipline with two parallel streams.

Beginning of Psychology in India

          India has a rich heritage of philosophy that mainly focuses on self and its various contexts. Indian thought explores consciousness though the reflections on various mental functions such as cognition, perception, illusion, attention and reasoning (NCERT). However, the Indian philosophical literature has not influenced the modern psychology.

          In India first psychology lab was established in 1915 at Calcutta University. In 1916 Calcutta University started independent department of Psychology. Dr. N. N. Sengupta and Prof G. Bose were pioneers in establishment of Psychology in India. The University of Mysore and Patna also started the course. At present almost 70 universities across India offer course in Psychology.

          Prof Durganand Sinha documented History of development of Psychology in India in his book “Psychology in Third World Country: The Indian Experience in 1986. He divides journey of psychology in four phases.

Phase I – Till Independence – The main thrust was on Experimental, Psychoanalytic and Psychological Testing.

Phase II – Till 1960s – Till 1960s – Expansion of psychology in different branches where Indian           psychologists used western ideas to understand the Indian situation.

Phase III – Post 1960s – Post 1960s – This phase was the phase of problem-oriented research where Indian problems were addressed. Realization of Indian contribution also occurred during this phase.

Phase IV – Late 1970s – Phase of Indigenisation – Began a search for Indian identity. New approaches based on Indian texts, scriptures and traditional knowledge were developed.

Current Status

          Psychology in India has expanded to almost each sector and professional areas. Its principles and findings are being applied in diverse fields such, schools, teacher training institutes, hospitals, military, organizations, universities, research institutions, sports, industry and IT sector etc. Psychology as subject is gaining ground in Indian landscape.

To delve deep into history of Psychology read

          E. G. Boring, who was most famous Psychology Historian who said “The seats on the train of progress all face backwards: you can see the past but only guess about the future. Yet a knowledge of history, although it can never be complete and fails miserable to foretell the future, has a huge capacity for adding significance to the understanding of the present” (Quoted by Goodwin, 2008).

Reference:

1.       NCERT, XI Psychology Text book.

2.       Goodwin, C. J. (2008). A History of Modern Psychology. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.