What treatment approach was criticized for being inhumane during the reform movement?

The treatment approach that faced significant criticism for being inhumane during the reform movement is institutionalization. This period, particularly in the 19th century, highlighted the treatment of individuals with mental illness, who were often confined to asylums under poor conditions. Critics argued that institutionalization led to neglect, dehumanization, and a lack of adequate care for those with mental health issues. Many patients were subjected to overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and insufficient medical attention, which contributed to the push for reform in mental health treatment.

Reformers advocated for deinstitutionalization and community-based care, emphasizing the need for more humane treatment alternatives. The shift aimed to integrate patients back into society, providing them with the support they needed while avoiding the stark and often abusive environment of asylums. This historical context emphasizes the ethical considerations that emerged concerning patient care, as well as the ongoing importance of humane treatment approaches in psychology.