Introduction to the special issue on the history of psychology in Canada.

Abstract

This article begins by pointing out that history and theory of psychology is much stronger in Canada than it is elsewhere. However, the history of psychology in Canada itself tends to be neglected. This situation is linked to the dominance of American psychology and the movement to establish a distinctively Canadian psychology that differs from psychology in the United States. It is argued that this movement can help to encourage more interest in the history of psychology in Canada and vice versa. It is also suggested that addressing the neglect of the history of psychology in Canada will lead to more internationalization, not less.

Health psychology and behavioral medicine researchers in Canada: An environmental scan

“…There were some surprising gaps and growth opportunities noted. Although Canada’s position as an international “cross-roads” is cited as a strength (Brock, 2013; Hadjistavropoulos, 2009), the majority of academics were trained in Canada or the US, with little representation from Europe, and no representation from Asia, Africa, Central America or South America. It is possible that this is because most Canadian universities prioritize hiring Canadian citizens in order to prevent “brain drain” to the U.S. and protect jobs for Canadians and Permanent Residents.…”

“…Another cause could be regional differences in academic structure and culture, making it difficult for trainees from outside the Canadian or U.S. systems to re-integrate post-graduation. Another cited differentiator is Canada’s cultural diversity and the challenges of being a large country with a small population (Brock, 2013; Hadjistavropoulos, 2009), and yet research related to culture, race, ethnicity, discrimination, or prejudice—particularly for Indigenous and immigrant populations—was not strongly represented, and even less research was related to rural or geographic-related health or healthcare challenges. Regardless, Canadian health psychologists are a highly productive group, representing a range of research interests, training locations, and background disciplines.…”

“…Canada "punches above its weight" on the global psychology stage owing to a number of unique strengths (Brock, 2013), including Canada's small population relative to the U.S., its ties to Britain and France, bilingualism and a high proportion of immigrants, all of which make Canada an ideal cross-roads and cross-pollinator for psychology theory and practice (Brock, 2013;Hadjistavropoulos, 2009). Canada's unique historical, geographical, healthcare and cultural perspectives are further differentiators, with an emphasis on culture and multi-culturalism, collective and social values, influences from a large Indigenous population, and the challenges of a large landmass with a relatively small population (Brock, 2013;Hadjistavropoulos, 2009). Nonetheless, owing to its larger size and influence, U.S. psychology has a strong influence on Canada, and specific efforts are required to ensure that Canadian psychologists and their work are not lost in the overwhelming context of U.S. psychology.…”

Teaching critical, multivocal histories of psychology: Uncovering diversity.

“…Articles providing Indigenous and critical approaches to historical pedagogy can also be helpful. History and Philosophy of Psychology devoted a special issue to innovative teaching from a primarily British perspective (Hegarty, Hubbard, & Nyatanga, 2015); Brock (2013) offered a Canadian perspective. A virtual issue of History of Psychology provided examples of using history to promote critical engagement with diversity, including gender, race, and the intersections of disability and sexuality (Rutherford, 2013).…”