Factors Influencing the Development of Psychology in Latin America

Abstract

Among the factors impeding the development of the discipline of psychology in Latin America, emphasis must be given to the lack of infrastructural conditions. Also important is the lack of social, economic, and political stability, leading to inadequate administrative and financial support for research. The high degree of uncertainty as to the future of societal outcomes leads to short-term planning, and weakens the possibility of sustained lines of research. Yet, the same economic and political crises have positive consequences: A growing awareness of social problems and a realization of the utility of psychology in their solutions. The resultant job opportunities for graduates, and a generation of "engaged" professionals, are all helping the growth of an indigenous psychology. Increasing participation of Latin American psychologists in international congresses, particularly those of the Interamerican Society of Psychology. has had laudatory effects on the development of the discipline in the region.Parmi les facteurs qui retardent le dtveloppement de la discipline en Amtrique Latine, il faut insister sur le manque d'infrastructure. cgalement important est le manque de stabilitt sociale, Cconomique et politique qui a comme constquence une aide ii la recherche inadequate sur les plans administratif et financier. Le niveau Clevt d'incertitude quant ii l'avenir socittal encourage la planification ii court terme et n'aide pas ii la poursuite soutenue de directions de recherche. Pourtant, les m&mes crises tconomiques et politiques ont aussi des consdquences positives: une conscience accrue des probltmes sociaux et de I'utilitt de la psychologie pour rCsoudre ces probltmes. Les possibilitts de camtre pour les Ctudiants graduts et I'apparition d'une gtntration de psychologues "engagts" qui en ont rtsultt ont aid6 la croissance d'une psychologie indigtne. La participation accrue des psychologues d' Amtrique Latine aux congrks internationaux, particulitrement la Socittt Interamtricaine de Psychologie, a eu des effets btntfiques sur le dtveloppement de la discipline dans la rtgion.

Psychology in Venezuela: Perceptions and Opinions of Research Psychologists

“…Funding resources were available, but lack of information about the sources and their uses seemed to be the main barriers to obtaining such funding. In fact, the national and local scientific research funding organisations have been worried about surpluses and unused funds (Salazar, 1995). Still, the process of accessing the funds depends on the individual researcher's interest and diligence.…”