-
Plato suggested that the brain is the mechanism of mental processes.
-
Aristotle suggested that the heart is the mechanism of mental processes.
-
-
Franz Mesmer detailed his cure for some mental illness, originally called mesmerism and now known as hypnosis.
-
Philippe Pinel released the first mental patients from confinement in the first massive movement for more humane treatment of the mentally ill.
-
Ernst Heinrich Weber published his perception theory of ‘Just Noticeable DIfference,’ now known as Weber’s Law.
-
Carl Wernicke published his work on the frontal lobe, detailing that damage to a specific area damages the ability to understand or produce language
-
G. Stanley Hall received the first American Ph.D. in psychology. He later founded the American Psychological Association.
-
Wilhelm Wundt founded the first formal laboratory of Psychology at the University of Leipzig, marking the formal beginning of the study of human emotions, behaviors, and cognitions.
-
The first laboratory of psychology in America is established at Johns Hopkins University.
-
Sigmund Freud began performing therapy in Vienna, marking the beginning of personality theory.
-
The term “Mental Tests” was coined by James Cattell, beginning the specialization in psychology now known as psychological assessment.
-
William James published ‘Principles of Psychology,’ that later became the foundation for functionalism.
-
New York State passed the State Care Act, ordering indigent mentally ill patients out of poor-houses and into state hospitals for treatment and developing the first institution in the U.S. for psychiatric research.
-
Alfred Binet founded the first laboratory of psychodiagnosis.
-
British Psychological Society was founded.
-
Electroshock therapy was first used on a human patient.
-
Carl Rogers published ‘Counseling and Psychotherapy’ suggesting that respect and a non-judgmental approach to therapy is the foundation for effective treatment of mental health issues.
-
Code of Ethics for Psychologists was developed by the American Psychological Association.
-
New Mexico becomes the first state to pass legislation allowing licensed psychologists to prescribe psychotropic medication.