The development of contemporary Spanish psychology

Spanish psychology has developed greatly in the last decades, both in academic and professional aspects. But its history during the 20th century includes not only positive periods but also others clearly regressive, which impeded scientific work and tried to return to a more philosophical orientation. Since the establishment of a psychology degree in the country, a great expansion has taken place, and other significant achievements have been made by some émigré Spanish psychologists in Latin‐American countries after being reinstalled there after a civil war that strongly affected the evolution of contemporary Spain. The main lines of the picture are drawn here.     

道学思想在现代社会中的意义和价值

道学文化是中国文化的瑰宝,它在清代以后,发展不是很大,但其思想内在的生命力仍时时在世人面前展现,它启发了一些现代科学家的思维,它与西方存在主义有着相似处,它对人的生命的探索有着独到的见解。胡孚琛先生在《道学通论》中说:“21世纪的带头学科将是生命科学,特别是脑科学,人体生命科学、心理学、心身医学等生命和认知科学领域会获得突破性的进展。”①道学文化在现代社会中就有一定的意义和价值,本文就从科学、生命和环保三个方面对道家学说在现代社会的意义和价值作一些探索。一 科 学世界科技中心,先是在意大利,后来转到英、法、德等…     

Neoliberal ideology in work and organizational psychology

This paper explores the role of neoliberal ideology in workplace practices and in work and organizational psychology (WOP) research. It analyses how neoliberal ideology manifests in these two domains by using a prominent framework from the field of political theory to understand ideology through three different logics: political, social and fantasmatic logics. We explore the main neoliberal assumptions underlying existing practices in the workplace as well as in WOP research, how individuals are gripped by such practices, and how the status quo is maintained. The paper analyses how individuals in the contemporary workplace are henceforth influenced by neoliberalism, and how this is reflected in the practices and dominant paradigms within WOP. In particular, we focus on three ways neoliberalism affects workplaces and individual experiences of the workplace: through instrumentality, individualism and competition. The paper finishes with practical recommendations for researchers and practitioners alike on how to devote more attention to the, often implicit, role of neoliberal ideology in their work and research. The discussion elaborates on how alternative paradigms in the workplace can be developed which address the downsides of neoliberalism.     

The psychology of system justification and the palliative function of ideology

In this chapter, we trace the historical and intellectual origins of system justification theory, summarise the basic assumptions of the theory, and derive 18 specific hypotheses from a system justification perspective. We review and integrate empirical evidence addressing these hypotheses concerning the rationalisation of the status quo, the internalisation of inequality (outgroup favouritism and depressed entitlement), relations among ego, group, and system justification motives (including consequences for attitudinal ambivalence, self-esteem, and psychological well-being), and the reduction of ideological dissonance. Turning to the question of why people would engage in system justification--especially when it conflicts with other interests and motives--we propose that system-justifying ideologies serve a palliative function in that they reduce anxiety, guilt, dissonance, discomfort, and uncertainty for those who are advantaged and disadvantaged.     

The changing relationship between psychology and contemporary spiritual direction

As recently as the late 1970's, the relationship between spiritual direction and psychology was tentative and cautious. During the last decade, however, psychological methods and perspectives have been increasingly utilized in spiritual direction. This article examines how clinical psychology, developmental psychology, the psychology of women, and professional psychology are becoming increasingly relevant to the contemporary practice of spiritual direction in the United States, and how, in the process, the relationship between psychology and spiritual direction is changing.     

Commentary on neoliberal ideology in work and organizational psychology

I welcome the paper on Neoliberal ideology in WOP as a valuable critique of Work and Organizational Psychology (WOP) encouraging practitioners and researchers to think carefully about what they are trying to achieve and how they make sense of the world of work.     

Edelson's contributions to group psychology: a contemporary perspective

If you are already familiar with Marshall Edelson's writings, you may be expecting this article to be difficult and challenging or outmoded. Since his work with groups began in the 1950s, so much has changed in how we treat the mentally ill, how we train mental health professionals, how hospitals are managed, and how treatments for patients are designed and delivered. This article was written in the belief that nothing is of more lasting relevance than a story of courage and commitment in the search for knowledge to relieve human suffering. Edelson's career is such a story. Intent upon advancing our understanding of groups and organizations, Edelson embodied a distinctive concern with values and boundaries. This article was begun when his physical health was in rapid decline and completed while he was still able to review it. He died January 17, 2005.     

The unbearable ideology of genius

Genius: Richard Feynman and Modern Physics, by James Gleick, New York/London: Pantheon/Little Brown, 1992, 532 pages, hb £18.99