The year 2021 was a period of profound adaptation and heightened awareness within the field of psychology. Dominated by the enduring effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the discipline shifted its focus to addressing a global mental health crisis, refining therapeutic modalities for a virtual world, and examining the psychological fallout of societal and environmental stressors. This overview provides a look at the major topics, key events, and notable anniversaries that defined psychology in 2021.
Major Topics and Discussions
The year 2021 in psychology was heavily shaped by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This global event amplified the focus on several key areas:
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Mental Health Crisis: There was widespread discussion and concern about a national mental health crisis, with a rise in anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) reported globally.
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Telepsychology and Online Therapy: With social distancing measures, online therapy became a dominant and lasting trend. The field saw a push to secure expanded telehealth coverage and explore the effectiveness of virtual care.
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Psychological Impact of the Pandemic: Researchers and media focused on the psychological effects of fear of contagion, isolation, economic repercussions, and the blending of work and family life due to lockdowns.
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Social and Behavioral Issues: Psychology played a crucial role in understanding and addressing behaviors related to the pandemic, such as promoting preventive measures like mask use and vaccination. Other significant topics included:
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The fight against systemic racism and police brutality.
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The psychological effects of social media and the growing use of mental health apps.
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Addressing employee burnout and work-life balance.
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Anniversaries and Major Events
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Anniversaries: Several institutions celebrated significant milestones in 2021. The University of California, Berkeley's Department of Psychology, and the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences both celebrated their 100th and 75th anniversaries, respectively.
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Major Events: The field saw the passing of significant figures like Aaron Beck, a founding father of cognitive therapy. His death in 2021 was a major event, and his work in cognitive psychology and therapy continued to be a focal point of discussion.
Disasters and Psychological Impact
Natural disasters that occurred in 2021 were studied for their psychological impact.
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Flooding in Germany: A major flood in Germany in 2021 was shown to have a moderate to severe psychological impact on the affected population, particularly on the elderly, leading to feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress. The study also noted that survivors reported stronger feelings of abandonment by their government and agencies than by their communities.
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Wildfires in British Columbia, Canada: Wildfires in BC also had a significant psychological impact on residents, with many experiencing heightened depression, anxiety, and stress in the immediate aftermath.
Summary
In summary, 2021 was a year of resilience and redirection for the field of psychology. The pandemic served as a catalyst, accelerating discussions on global mental health, the adoption of digital technologies in therapy, and the intersection of psychology with social justice and environmental crises. The year underscored the discipline's vital role in helping individuals and communities navigate a complex and rapidly changing world.
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