History

Brief History

Generally, western psychologists have limitations appreciating the complexity and history of conflict in different parts of the world. Over the years, a number of specialties have developed within Psychology to increase knowledge and expertise.

As example, political psychologists have been profiling national and international leaders for years with the work of Dr. Jerrold Post credited for his in-depth psychological analyses of the persons participating in the Camp David Negotiations to helping President Jimmy Carter broker an unprecedented peace agreement between Israel and Egypt in the 1970s. Likewise, psychologists are using the principles of renowned social and political leaders like the Rev. Dr. Martin L. King Jr., to achieve contemporary conflict resolution. The Visions in conflict series reaches out to psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, and other professionals of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds to engage discussion in peaceful conflict resolution.

In March 2007, we hosted our first symposia at the midyear conference of the American Psychological Association (APA) Division 36 Society for the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality held at Loyola College in Maryland. Eight speakers addressed topics of understanding, forgiveness, and creative conflict resolution with respect to national and international crises.

In April 2009, we hosted a symposium addressing RELIGION and CONFLICT at the midyear conference of the American Psychological Association (APA) Division 36 Society for the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, and organized a series of symposia for both the 2009 and 2010 national conferences of the American Psychological Association in Toronto Canada, and San Diego California respectively. Currently, we are set to publish our second volume “Visions in conflict Peacebuilding in Cyprus: A View From the Ground" this Fall.