Between the laboratory and life: child development research in Toronto, 1919-1965.
Between 1919 and 1956, psychologists at the University of Toronto built a research program in developmental psychology on a functionalist, holistic, and ecological basis. They conducted longitudinal studies on mental health in growing children in educational settings instead of in laboratories and formed strong alliances with the local educational system in order to do so. They initially defined mental health as adjustment and considered conditions within schools to be conducive to its attainment. After developing a psychological theory of personality development, they came to view educational conditions as discouraging the development of mental health. The alliance between the educational system and psychology consequently unraveled, and the program declined.
Pols
Hans
H
Unit for History and Philosophy of Science, University of Sydney, Australia. hanspols@zonnet.nl
D002170:Canada; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories / Q000266:history*; D008603:Mental Health / Q000266:history*; D002666:Psychology, Child / Q000266:history*; D012106:Research / Q000266:history*; D014495:Universities / Q000266:history*