Historical and Geographical Influences on Psychopathology

by Patricia Cline Cohen (Editor), Cheryl Slomkowski, Lee N. Robins

This book begins with the assumption that a deep understanding of the origins of psychopathology, human dysfunction, and their course is fundamental to the quest for the good society, and perhaps, even to our survival as a species. The studies presented compare prevalences and risk factors across time and place, and make use of concepts and methods from history, geography, sociology, anthropology, economics, psychology, social and medical services research, social policy, psychiatry, and epidemiology. Collectively, they illustrate the methods and methodological difficulties involved in the effort to achieve a deep understanding and provide important insights into the disorders and dysfunctions that are investigated.

404 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1998

About the author

Patricia Cline Cohen is Professor of History and Acting Dean of the Humanities and Fine Arts at the University of California, Santa Barbara. From 1991 to 1996 she chaired the Women's Studies Program there. She is the author of A Calculating People: The Spread of Numeracy in Early America (1985) and of numerous articles and reviews, and a coauthor of The American Promise (1997).