Theoretical psychology in China: Past, present, and future

Abstract

This article first describes the three periods of the recent past in Chinese theoretical psychology: (a) the period that introduced Western theoretical psychology and the establishment of Chinese theoretical psychology , (b) the period that introduced Soviet Russian psychology and the popularity of Marxist psychology , and (c) the period that reintroduced Western theoretical psychology and the birth of its Chinese counterpart (1977-present). Then, we discuss the trapped condition of contemporary Chinese theoretical psychology, such as the need for originality, the change in the Chinese academic environment, and the lack of proper self-positioning. To solve these problems in China, the following suggestions are proposed: (a) advancement of meta-theoretical research, (b) support for experimental psychological studies, (c) bridging of psychology and its neighboring disciplines, (d) bridging the gap between psychology and the public, and (e) bridging domestic and foreign cultural psychology.

Daoism and dialogism: A dialogue between China and the West

“…Psychology, a notably Western concept, has gained popularity in China in recent years (Yang & Ye, 2014). Perhaps, the Daoist philosophical influences in Chinese thought invite such a discipline.…”

“…Generically, in the Western field of psychology (Yang & Ye, 2014), the act of dialogue between the client and therapist (or even the client with him or herself) is central to understanding, but additionally, the dynamic of opposite forces has always existed as well.…”

“…Generically, in the Western field of psychology (Yang & Ye, 2014), the act of dialogue between the client and therapist (or even the client with him or herself) is central to understanding, but additionally, the dynamic of opposite forces has always existed as well. Freud’s ideas of the superego and id embody one’s sense of higher morality and our most primal desires engaged in an eternal struggle over the ego, where this tense dialogue takes place.…”

Marxism and Psychology: An Outdated Interest or a Promising Research Field?

“…For People's Republic of China, the period between the foundation (1949) to the end of the Cultural Revolution (1976) is considered to be characterized by Marxist psychology studies influenced by Soviet psychologists and Marxist influences over Chinese psychology is still dominant according to Yang & Ye (2013) [34,35]. For Chinese Marxist psychology, Shu Pan (1897-1988) is considered to be one of the leading figures [36].…”

Recent advances in research on the association between consciousness and unconsciousness in China

“…In this review, “consciousness” refers to cognitions one is aware of and “unconsciousness” to cognitions that cannot be perceived—mental processes “operating outside phenomenal awareness, [which] nevertheless influence conscious experience, thought, and action” (Kihlstrom, 1987, p. 1445). Influenced by Western psychology, consciousness and unconsciousness have been largely considered philosophical rather than scientific problems in China (Huo, 2006; Z.-M. Wang, 1993; W. D. Yang & Ye, 2014).…”