CHAPTER 25
International Psychology
HENRY P. DAVID AND JOAN BUCHANAN
509ROOTS 510
THE DEVELOPMENT OF MODERN PSYCHOLOGY 510
THE 1913 CONGRESS THAT WASN’T 512
THE U.S. CONGRESS THAT WAS HELD IN CANADA 512
YOUNG PSYCHOLOGISTS INITIATIVE 512
DIFFERING VIEWS ON HUMAN RIGHTS 513
VISAS AND FLAGS 514
PSYCHOLOGISTS’ EVOLVING STAND ON
SOCIAL ISSUES 514
THE TREND FROM AMERICANIZATION
TO INTERNATIONALIZATION 515
CHRONOLOGY OF MILESTONES IN
INTERNATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 517
REFERENCES 531It is a truism that science knows nothing of national boundaries,
and that the commonwealth of mind draws all men into its
domain, so that in the pursuit of truth all may join in friendly
rivalry. But it is equally true that physical remoteness, or cultural
insulation, as well as the barriers of alien tongues, still serve to
keep men from the fullest and most sympathetic understanding of
one another’s thought. (James R. Angell [1930], Opening address
to the 9th International Congress of Psyhology, 1929)
It is safe to say that psychology is as old as the inquiring, self-
conscious mind of man. (R. S. Woodworth, 1964)In developing this chapter, two approaches are followed. The
first part, a narrative, summarizes the international roots of
psychology, beginning more than 2,000 years ago, followed
by selected highlights and vignettes retrieved from reports
and personal observations. This portion is anecdotal at times
to show the human side of international psychology by
reflecting on the interactions of colleagues seeking interna-
tional consensus. It also demonstrates how political events
gradually forced psychologists to move beyond the sheltered
world of academia to confront questions of professional ethics
and public policies impinging on personal freedom. To illus-
trate these dilemmas and successes, several U.S.-influenced
events are recalled, ending with a commentary on the increas-
ing internationalization of psychology.
Specifically discussed will be (a) the 1913 Congress that
wasn’t, (b) the U.S. Congress held in Canada, (c) the Young
Psychologists’ initiative, (d) differing views on human
rights, (e) visas and flags, (f) psychologists’ evolving stands
on social issues, and (g) the trend from Americanization to
internationalization.
The second part of the chapter is a table that consists of a
chronology of events influencing international psychology,
similar to the format pioneered by Street (1994). Included are
the founding of psychological laboratories and institutes,
national psychological organizations, journals, and first con-
gresses. Also cited are unique events of historical interest that
reflect on the tenor of the times. The language used depends
upon the sources. We assume responsibility for any inadver-
tent errors.
Writing about the history of international psychology dif-
fers from reviewing historical developments in psychological
subspecialties. Rather than being a distinct field, international
psychology spans the entire discipline. When well-informed
colleagues were asked what they meant when using the term
“international psychology,” the typical response referred to
international congresses, travel, and specialized meetings as
well as exchanges, collaborative multicultural research and
practice, and the application of psychological principles to
the development of public policy (David & Buchanan, 1999).
As noted by Denmark (1987), the term “international psy-
chology” may also refer to social psychological studies of
international relations or cross-cultural research.The authors are pleased to acknowledge the constructive suggestions
and assistance received from Ludy T. Benjamin, Merry Bullock,
Tema S. David, Edwin A. Fleishman, Donald K. Freedheim, Gerda
K. Freedheim, Wade Pickren, Mark Rosenzweig, and Warren R.
Street. Special thanks to Sarah P. Leverty and to the staff of the
American Psychological Association Library for their ongoing help
and technical support.