Psychologists in China: National Transformation and Humanistic Psychology

Abstract

Psychology in the People’s Republic of China is experiencing rapid growth and redefinition in response to dramatic changes in economic, cultural, and political conditions. This article discusses the common points of agreement and opportunities for dialogue and collaboration between western humanistic psychology, Chinese psychology and the philosophical and religious traditions of Daoism and Mencian humanistic Confucianism. This article provides an historical and contemporary context for Chinese psychology. It discusses aspects of Chinese culture that interact with the development of a uniquely Chinese psychology. The emergent discipline of psychology in China and humanistic psychological approaches have much to offer each other in the understanding and solution of human and global dilemmas.