International Psychology Authors: Mercedes A. McCormick, PhD Pace University, New York, NY, USA Matthew R. Constable Editing Consultants: Michael J. Stevens, PhD, DHC Illinois State University, Normal, IL, USA Richard S. Velayo, PhD Pace University, New York, NY, USA

What Is International Psychology? “An emerging branch of psychology that focuses on the worldwide enterprise of psychology in terms of communication and networking, cross-cultural comparison, scholarship, practice, and pedagogy.” (Gielen & Verderame, 2007)

What Is International Psychology? Concerned with: The emergence and practice of psychology in different parts of the world. Advocates: Committed involvement in worldwide and regional policymaking organizations, such as: International Union of Psychology Science (IUPsyS) International Association of Applied Psychology (IAAP) International Association of Cross-Cultural Psychology (IACCP) International Council of Psychologists (ICP) European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations (EFPA) Sociedad Interamericana de Psycologia (SIP)

Theories and Perspectives: Critical Psychology Liberation Psychology Post-Modernism Social Constructivism Social Identity Theory Social Reduction Theory Symbolic Interactionism Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory

History of International Psychology: From its beginning in the late 19th century, modern scientific psychology has had an international dimension… The First International Congress of Physiological Psychology in 1889, in Paris, included more than 200 participants from 20 different countries. Wilhelm Wundt (1832-1920), the father of scientific psychology, supervised 190 doctoral students from at least 10 countries.

History of International Psychology: Continued… Began in Europe Remained a predominately Western enterprise until well after World War II During the 1930s, many prominent psychologists from Germany and Austria emigrated to the U.S. Psychology in the U.S. eventually assumed worldwide leadership. An increased global awareness among many U.S. psychologists remains important in fully representing the world of psychology.

History of International Psychology: Continued… During the last 3 to 4 decades, psychology has expanded worldwide and assumed a global presence Global estimate of active psychologists has surpassed one million: 300,000 Psychologists in Europe 200,000 in Latin America 277,000 in the U.S. (Stevens & Gielen, 2007)

History of International Psychology: Continued… Psychology has also gained ground in East and Southeast Asia, and is becoming increasingly visible in some Muslim countries. Psychology continues to be frequently considered as an unnecessary luxury in the poorer regions of the world. In general, psychology as a discipline has prospered in well-to-do and individualistic countries and cultures.

What Is the American Psychological Association? The American Psychological Association (APA) is a scientific and professional organization that represents psychology in the U.S. As of 2008, the APA has 54 divisions. With 148,000 members, APA is the largest association of psychologists worldwide. Based in Washington, DC. Visit the APA at: www.apa.org

Division of International Psychology What Is Division 52? Division 52 of the American Psychological Association (APA), is the Division of International Psychology Brief History: Founded in 1997 Creation was the result of many years of planning and work by a small group of people dedicated to fostering an international outlook within the APA Currently has over 1,000 members

What Is Division 52? Division 52’s purpose: Continued… Division 52’s purpose: To further the development and advancement of international relations among psychologists in the areas of: Sharing knowledge Encouraging exchanges Encouraging intercultural research and development in clinical practice To promote the general objectives of the APA

What Is Division 52? Division 52 represents: Continued… Division 52 represents: The interest of all psychologists who: Foster international connections among psychologists Are engaged in multicultural research or practice Apply psychological principles to the development of public policy Are otherwise concerned with individual group consequences of global events

What Is Division 52? Division 52 encourages: Continued… Member participation in intercultural research Discussions of effective assessment and treatment models in working with particular cultures A better understanding of the psychological problems which predominate in a given region of the world

What Is Division 52? In other words: Continued… In other words: Div. 52 encourages the development of a more international perspective in psychology by: Sponsoring programs to stimulate interest in and share information about international psychology Providing networking opportunities for psychologists from around the world through the Division’s newsletter, the International Psychology Bulletin Providing opportunities for students to meet and interact with other students and psychologists from around the world

Students in Division 52: Division 52 is dedicated to providing opportunities for students to meet and interact with other students from around the world. Students are encouraged to join Division 52, attend social and networking events at the APA conventions, and become active in the Division’s Student Committee.

APA - Division 52 Student Committee: Mission: To be a strong, diverse, and productive team that is dedicated to helping students become involved with the dynamic community of international psychologists. Support and guidance are provided to coordinate and create opportunities that further the future careers of students. The Committee seeks to encourage and inspire the development of new leaders in the field of international psychology.

Careers in International Psychology: Will provide global opportunities to become a: University teacher Researcher on international issues to promote mental health and well being Consultant to global universities, businesses, and mental health agencies on issues of curriculum development, human resources, and therapeutic interventions

References: Gielen, U. P. (Ed.). (in press). Conversations with international psychologists. Greenwich, CT: Information Age Publishing. Pawlik, K., & d’Ydewalle, G. (2006). Psychological concepts: An international historical perspective. Hove, UK: Psychology Press. Pawlik, K., & Rosenzweig, M. R. (Eds.). (2000). International handbook of psychology. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Stevens, M. J., & Wedding, D. (Eds.). (2004). Handbook of international psychology. New York: Brunner-Routledge. Stevens, M. J., Gielen, U. P. (Eds.). (2007). Toward a global psychology: Theory, research, intervention, and pedagogy. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum. Wedding, D., & Stevens, M. J. (Eds). (2008). Psychology: IUPsyS global resource (CD-ROM) (9th ed.). Hove, UK: Psychology Press.

Want to Learn More about Div. 52? Visit the official APA, International Psychology website at: www.internationalpsychology.net Apply & become a Member of Div. 52 or to the Student Committee at: www.internationalpsychology.net/membership