Final answer:
Jerome C. Wakefield identified psychological disorders as a harmful dysfunction, emphasizing both the harm caused to an individual and failure to perform a natural function. Definitions of psychological dysfunction and disorders, such as in the DSM by the APA, have evolved over time, also influenced by societal and scientific developments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of psychological disorders as a harmful dysfunction was identified by Jerome C. Wakefield. Wakefield argued that a condition could only be considered a disorder if it caused significant harm to the person and resulted from a failure of some internal mechanism to perform its natural function. His definition offers a hybrid biopsychosocial approach, recognizing the interplay between biology, psychology, and social factors in the identification and classification of mental disorders.
The American Psychiatric Association plays a significant role in classifying and diagnosing psychological dysfunction through the creation and revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Over the years, the views on what constitutes a mental disorder have evolved with changes in societal values and better understanding of human psychology. Significant historical milestones in the field include the declassification of homosexuality as a mental illness, reflecting changing social norms and scientific research.