Here are three credible sources you can use to research mental health in the 1930s, along with an explanation of how to assess their credibility.
Source 1: Book - "The History of Mental Illness: From Medieval Times to the Present" by Edward Shorter
Assessment of Credibility:
- Authorship: Edward Shorter is a well-respected historian and psychiatrist known for his scholarly work on the history of psychiatry and mental health. His credentials lend authority to the text.
- Publication: The book has been published by a reputable academic publisher, which typically employs rigorous editorial standards, indicating that the content has been evaluated for accuracy and scholarship.
- References: The book contains extensive references to primary sources and other academic literature, illustrating thorough research and making it a reliable source for academic inquiry.
Source 2: Journal Article - "The Mental Hygiene Movement in the 1930s" published in the American Journal of Public Health
Assessment of Credibility:
- Peer-Reviewed: As an article published in a peer-reviewed journal, it has undergone a vetting process by experts in the field, ensuring the validity and reliability of the research.
- Publication Date: Being a scholarly journal article, it is current and provides up-to-date interpretations of historical data, while contextualizing findings within modern beliefs about mental health.
- Citation Metrics: The article may be cited by other researchers in related fields, which can indicate its influence and acceptance among scholars studying mental health history.
Source 3: Website - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) - History of Mental Health
Assessment of Credibility:
- Authority: The NIMH is a federal agency and authoritative body specializing in mental health research. Government-backed organizations are known for providing factual and unbiased information.
- Accuracy: The content is likely to be reviewed and curated by professionals in the field, ensuring the information is accurate and up to date.
- Reputability: The NIMH acts as a reliable resource for understanding mental health issues, including historical perspectives, providing a solid foundation for academic use.
These three sources together provide a comprehensive overview of mental health in the 1930s, and their credibility is backed by the authorship, publication processes, and institutional authority associated with each source.