A brief history of Romanian psychology

J Hist Behav Sci. 2023 Jan;59(1):45-51. doi: 10.1002/jhbs.22223. Epub 2022 Sep 2.

Abstract

The evolution of Romanian psychology followed several stages, similarly to other countries in Eastern Europe, yet with its own particularities. The first psychology institutes were introduced by former students of Wilhelm Wundt, and the field saw a rapid development, with distinguished scholars making relevant scientific contributions. However, after the communist regime was enforced, psychology stagnated somewhat due to ideological, financial, and political reasons, and, in 1977, it was even removed from academia. After 1989, psychology revived in academia and research, and as a profession as well. This article summarizes the evolution of Romanian psychology through these stages, focusing on its postcommunist revival.

Keywords: Romanian psychology; history of psychology; psychological research in Romania; psychology in academia; revival of psychology.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Communism*
  • Ethnicity*
  • Europe, Eastern
  • History, 20th Century
  • Humans
  • Psychology
  • Romania