History

The first book on psychology published in the Croatian language appeared in 1877. The first book titled experimental psychology was published in Zagreb in 1908. It is also worth mentioning that a Croat writer M. Marulic (1450-1524) was the first one to use the term "psychology" in the meaning of "the science of the soul" (Krstic, K. (1964), Marko Marulic - The Author of the Term "Psychology". Acta Instituti Psychologici Universitatis).

The Department of Psychology has evolved from the Laboratory of Psychology, founded by Ramiro Bujas in 1920 at the Institute of Physiology. In 1929 the Chair of Psychology was transformed into the Department of Psychology, and the Laboratory into the Institute of Psychology. In 1932 the Institute started the publication of the journal Acta Instituti Psychologici Universitatis Zagrabiensis which has been continuously published (in German, English or French) ever since.

Scope

Croatian psychologists mainly work in various clinics and hospitals as clinical or neuropsychologists, and in other medical institutions (institutes, rehabilitation centers, etc.), and in vocational guidance, schools, industry, military, etc. Most of the scientific activities in psychology are carried out in connection with the projects funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology. It could be said that psychology in Croatia encompasses both research and applications, but most psychologists work only in various fields of applied psychology.

Now - meaning after the war - the main focus of most psychologists is psychosocial work (help, organization, some research) with war victims, survivors, and veterans.

Education

There are three departments of psychology in the Republic of Croatia (Zagreb, Rijeka, Zadar). The study of psychology lasts eight semesters (four years). Upon graduation the students acquire the diploma in psychology (the title: psychologist) which qualifies them for various jobs in education, industry, kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, public health institutions, social welfare services, military etc.

The Department of Psychology in Zagreb organizes also postgraduate studies where the M.A. and Ph.D. may be obtained.

Training in psychology occurs at universities.

Regulation

There are no special government regulations or requirements for the training of professional, applied psychologists.

Croatian psychologists do have a formal code of ethics.

Publications

Review of Psychology, 1994- , 2/year
Psychologia Croatica, 1994- , 2/year

Updated December 2008