A HISTORY OF PSYCHOLOGY IN LATIN-AMERICA

This paper is only one of the possible histories of psychology in Latin America, based on an intellectual history. It begins with the discussions after the independence of the Latin American countries, concerning the role of empirical science in the secularization process of institutions. Later on, changes originated in the positivistic movement are analyzed; they are related to the beginning of the experimental psychology laboratories, the needs of the pedagogy movement, and the changes in the way of life of inmigrants. The contribution of some of the pioneers of psychology in Latin America is later reviewed, and the emphasis on psychology as an applied discipline following the professionalization process after the 1940, is discussed. Finally, the main institutions, journals and congresses important in the historical development of psychology in Latin America are presented.