Psychology in South Africa: Development,Trends and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Since its establishment in the twenties, psychology in South Africa has developed phenomenally in the academic, research and practical fields. This development has been expedited and stimulated by the ample availability of funds, a particular interest of the public in psychology and a sound infrastructure that regulates the professional and assosiational life of psychologists. There are, however, negative tendencies which reveal that, although a considerable amount of research is done in South Africa, there are not many publications and few research results are applied. Furthermore, as in other countries, not enough is being done toward the accomplishment of a framework or system within which psychological knowledge can be classified. In this regard important research is, however, in progress in South Africa which might lead to a breakthrough in this field.