Int+J+Psychol+-+2012+-+Cooper+-+An+overview+of+South+African+psychology

Overview of South African Psychology

Comprehensive review of South African psychology from its origins in the late 19th century to present day.
Highlights the significant evolution of psychology as both a popular subject in universities and a recognized profession.
Addresses the impact of apartheid racism on the discipline of psychology and the political influences on professional organizations.
Discusses the unification of psychology under the Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA) before democracy.
Examines legislative changes that advanced the role of psychologists in society.
Details major psychology programs in South African universities and the requirements for licensure.
Highlights influential South African psychologists like J. Wolpe and A. A. Lazarus.
Notes the increased leadership and research contributions from progressive black psychologists in the last two decades.

South African psychology shaped by colonial histories and racism.
Initially developed within the context of Dutch and British colonialism.
The role of indigenous traditions and languages in shaping the identity of South African society.

Establishment of the Dutch colony at the Cape of Good Hope in 1652, leading to the dispossession of indigenous Khoisan populations.
British control established in 1795 for trade protection, with significant socio-political changes ongoing until 1814.

Transition from racially segregated institutions to a more integrated education system post-apartheid.
The establishment of universities like Fort Hare aimed at black students during the apartheid era.

Psychology became a prominent social science discipline over a century.
Engaged with international trends while developing distinctively South African frameworks.

Protection of the title 'psychologist' established legally.
The regulation and licensure processes introduced through various governmental initiatives.

Notable figures: J. Wolpe and A. A. Lazarus, both influential in therapy practices and psychological theories.
The evolution of behavior therapy and its impact on the global field of psychology.

Formation of SAPA (South African Psychological Association) shortly after the apartheid government in 1948; racial exclusivity in practice until significant reforms took place.
PsySSA established as a nonracist and nonsexist body to improve psychological practice standards post-1994.

South Africa's diverse demographic landscape, including multiple official languages and religions.
High unemployment rates and societal challenges needing psychological intervention.

Depth of psychology courses in universities; psychology is one of the most popular fields of study.
Growth in postgraduate psychology enrollment and enrollment of black students in master's programs.

Presence of distinct journals such as the SA Journal of Psychology focusing on diverse psychological issues.
Research largely quantitative and problem-focused, funded mainly via the NRF and HSRC.

Transformation within South African psychology that reflects societal needs rather than historical political agendas.
Ongoing contributions from an increasingly diverse pool of practitioners are expected to shape the field positively.