Circumstantiality: Definition, History, and References
Abstract
This paper focuses on the psychological concept of circumstantiality and its implications in various facets of life. It provides a definition of circumstantiality, a brief overview of its history, and several references to scholarly sources.
Introduction
Circumstantiality is a psychological concept that has been studied and discussed for centuries. It is commonly defined as an excessive amount of detail or irrelevant information in a person’s speech or writing. In other words, circumstantiality is when one’s speech or writing is filled with unnecessary details that distract from the main point. It is usually used in reference to people with mental illness, particularly those with schizophrenia, who often display circumstantiality in their speech and writing.
History
The concept of circumstantiality dates back to the 16th century. It was first discussed by the Greek philosopher Aristotle, who used it to refer to people who use “circumlocution” or “roundabout” speech. This concept was later adopted by French psychologist Pierre Janet in the late 19th century, who developed it further and used it to refer to a form of speech disorder. By the early 20th century, the concept of circumstantiality had been adopted by a number of other psychologists, including Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, who used it to refer to a form of thinking and speaking that is characterized by excessive detail and irrelevant information.
In recent years, circumstantiality has become an important topic of study in the field of psychology. It has been linked to a variety of mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. It has also been linked to certain personality traits, such as disorganization and poor impulse control.
Conclusion
In conclusion, circumstantiality is a psychological concept that has been studied and discussed for centuries. It is commonly defined as an excessive amount of detail or irrelevant information in a person’s speech or writing. It is usually used in reference to people with mental illness, particularly those with schizophrenia, who often display circumstantiality in their speech and writing. In recent years, circumstantiality has become an important topic of study in the field of psychology.
References
Aristotle. (1941). Rhetoric. (W. Rhys Roberts, Trans.). Oxford, England: Oxford University Press.
Freud, S. (1905). Jokes and Their Relation to the Unconscious. London, England: Basic Books.
Janet, P. (1889). L’automatisme psychologique. Paris, France: Félix Alcan.
Jung, C.G. (1921). Psychological Types. (H.G. Baynes, Trans.). London, England: Routledge.
Meyer, J.S. & Quenzer, L.F. (2005). Psychopharmacology: Drugs, the Brain, and Behavior. Sunderland, MA: Sinauer Associates.