Abnormal and social psychology in the life and work of William James

• Published in: Journal of abnormal and social psychology Vol. 37; no. 1; pp. 3 - 19
• Main Author: Spoerl, H. D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, etc American Psychological Association 01-01-1942; American Psychological Association, etc
• Subjects: Abnormal Psychology; Human; James (William); Psychological Theories; Psychologists; Social Psychology
• ISSN: 0096-851X
• DOI: 10.1037/h0057351

James' formal and academic participation in abnormal psychology was more significant than its extensiveness might suggest. He asserted that the exceptional interprets the usual, and that the abnormal may be the misunderstood or the unappreciated. James was often absorbed in practical social interest, and his general psychological theory was suited to the explanation of social phenomena. He was specifically concerned with imperialism, jingoism, militarism, lynching, morale, education, and mental hygiene. In his writings egocentric and withdrawing tendencies coexist. His personal life was a record of continual struggle between his idealism in the vulgar sense of the word and the constraining menace of philosophical idealism by which his thinking refused to be shackled. His devotion to an interpretation of individuality restricted his possible contribution to abnormal and social psychology.