A Brief History of Psychology in Canada - Essay Sample

Introduction

Psychology is the study of behavior and behavior of individuals. It includes various areas of specifications like human development, sports, social, and cognitive practices. It helps managers understand the behavior of employees and behavioral change from childhood to adulthood. Psychology in Canada is much stronger than elsewhere in the world (Brock, 2013). However, there is little devoted to its history and how it has impacted people. The essay provides a brief history of psychology in Canada; it has been imported from other countries, its relative importance, current profession status, training necessary to become a psychologist and notable psychologist from the country.

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The concept of psychology has increasingly become important in society. In Canada, the discipline gained momentum in the 19th century when scientists started measuring human feelings, their thoughts, and behaviors. However, Canadian psychology development was slow compared to countries like the United States. The Canadian Psychological Association heavily relied on American institutions in the 20th century to develop concepts of psychology. The Canadian Psychological Association was not established until the beginning of the Second World War, and this means that Canadian psychologists were actively involved in meetings of the American Psychological Association (Brock, 2013). The discipline gained momentum during the massive expansion of higher education in the 1960s and 1970s. With extensive research, psychology in Canada is most developed, and it is one of the valuable professional careers. In this regard, scholars argue that Canada significantly imported some ideas from the US before the foundation of the Canadian Psychological Association. However, Canadian scholars like John Berry did research and developed a different approach to psychology compared to the US, and the difference stands today.

Furthermore, academic or scientific research is vital in the psychology discipline since it helps to understand the world better and behavior of human beings. Evolution of human behavior is continues, suggesting that research is required to introduce new theories that would help to understand the world better (Brock, 2013). Also, research is necessary since it helps to critically evaluate plenty of information around so that they use the most valuable information. Criticizing available theories can be realized through research, aiming to improve on weaknesses of current approaches.

Psychology is one of the valuable professions in Canada. Its salary change between 2007 and 2013 was +18% and this is one of the most advancing jobs. Also, psychologists need an undergraduate and a master's degree to practice as a psychologist; thus, it has a positive status (CB staff, 2014). Moreover, practitioners require doctorate so that they become specialized and better placed in the market. Among the theoretical orientation in the psychology, field include cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic-psychoanalytic approaches, and existential-humanistic theories. They all have equal representations in society.

One of the primary trends in psychology is the development of a master of science compared to the Master of Arts. The other trend is applied psychology as well as clinical psychology. On the other hand, humanistic approach to psychology is also critical since it contributes to understanding the complicated behaviors of people. Professional psychology organization in Canada is the Canadian Psychological Association that develops a code of ethics for psychologists and entry requirements (Canadian Psychological Association, 2018). One of the famous psychologists in Canada is Donald Hebb and was famous because he had a significant influence in neuropsychology.

Conclusion

Psychology is one of the disciplines that have gained momentum in recent years. It helps to study human behavior and understand the world better. Canada is one of the countries with advanced psychology discipline. However, it borrowed some concepts from the US. It is a highly valuable job in the country and requires practitioners to qualify with an undergraduate and master's degree.

References

Brock, A. (2013). Introduction to the special issue on the history of psychology in Canada. Canadian psychology 54(2), 87-93.

Canadian Psychological Association. (2018). Canadian Code of ethics for psychologists. Retrieved from https://cpa.ca/aboutcpa/committees/ethics/codeofethics/

CB staff. (2014). Canada's best jobs 2014: Psychologist. Retrieved from: https://www.canadianbusiness.com/lists-and-rankings/best-jobs/2014-psychologist/