Clinical Psychology

The Value of Classification

CHAPTER SUMMARY

KEY TERMS

WEB SITES OF INTEREST

C

linical psychology is usually thought of as an

applied science. Clinicians attempt to apply

empirically supported psychological principles to

problems of adjustment and abnormal behavior.

Typically, this involves finding successful ways of

changing the behavior, thoughts, and feelings of

clients. In this way, clinical psychologists reduce

their clients’maladjustment or dysfunction or in-

crease their levels of adjustment.

Before clinicians can formulate and administer

interventions, however, they must first assess

their clients’symptoms of psychopathology and levels

of dysfunction or impairment. Interestingly, the pre-

cise definitions of these and related terms can be elu-

sive. Further, the manner in which the terms are

applied to clients is sometimes quite unsystematic.

Clinical psychology has moved beyond the prim-

itive views that defined mental illness as possession by

demons or spirits. Maladjustment is no longer consid-

ered a state of sin. The 18th and 19th centuries ushered

in the notion that“insane”individuals are sick and

require humane treatment. Even then, however,

mental health practices could be bizarre, to say the

least (see Figure 5-1). Clearly, clinical psychologists’

F I G U R E 5-1 In the 19th century, people were treated for depression by spinning them in a rotating chair.

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DIAGNOSIS AND CLASSIFICATION OF PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS 129