Psychological science in the communist era: experience of cooperation and interaction between the USSR and China

Abstract

The article analyzes the development of mental epidemiology, the practice of psychological support for the population during pandemics at different historical stages. The time frame of the study ranges from 430-426, when the outbreak of the Athenian plague occurred, until now - the 2019-2020 COVID-19 pandemic. It turns out that the emergence of all kinds of methods of psychological work with the population during such social crises was preceded by an epidemic of viral infections, various diseases and other adverse events that, in one way or another, disrupt the mental balance and well-being of the world community. The key problems that existed in the practice of providing psychological assistance and support to the population during different types and scales of epidemics and pandemics were identified. Based on the results of the analysis, some directions for improving the policy in the field of maintaining the mental health of the population during periods of epidemics, pandemics and social crises are proposed.