Psychology in India: Perceptions and Perspectives

Abstract

The twentieth century has witnessed a multifaceted growth of the discipline of psychology. As a human scientific enterprise as well as a profession, psychology is increasingly expected toplaya key role in many areas. Teaching, training and research in Indian institutions of higher learning are finding it difficult to face this challenge and to keep at par with the developments taking place at the international level. This article addresses the problems in handling these issues as perceived by the teaching faculty, students and apprentices. In a series of six studies using qualitative methods like long interviews, focused group and open ended narratives, it is found that there is a high degree offrustration and helplessness in the faculty as far as creatively responding to the demands on the discipline are concerned. Students are more interested in applications and personal growth rather than in the mere academic transaction of passing knowledge. The intense awareness of the issues, however, is a sign of the paradigmatic transformation. This transformation will have to respond to local as well as global concerns and must resolve its value concerns.