History of Psychology in China: Contributions, Challenges, and Future

Abstract

The history of psychology makes three major contributions: (1) promoting the development of psychology in China; (2) establishing the history of Chinese psychology as an academic discipline; (3) playing an important role in training the next generation of Chinese psychologists. This effort faces numerous challenges, including the reduction in undergraduate teaching hours, declining enrolments at the postgraduate level, limited innovation in research, and a lack of financial support. These challenges stem largely from changes in the Chinese academic assessing system, the greater weight placed on experimental psychology, and a fewer opportunities for researchers. To address these concerns the history of psychology in China should make the history of Chinese psychology its research priority, while also presenting its findings to the public, and developing innovative teaching and research approaches.