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HISTORY OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY IN
UZBEKISTAN
Sirojiddin Amangeldiyev Nurg‘aliy o‘g‘li
Email: sirajiddinamangeldiev@gmail.com
Phone: +998 99 826 11 09
Master’s Student in Psychology (by Fields of Activity),
Faculty of Social Sciences,
Mirzo Ulugbek National University of Uzbekistan
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15480174
Abstract
: This thesis is dedicated to studying the history of the
development of psychology in Uzbekistan. It analyzes the formation of
psychology as a science from the colonial period to the present day, the
contributions of Uzbek scholars and institutions, and significant changes in
education and practice. The study focuses on the influence of the Soviet period,
the emergence of national psychological schools, and contemporary trends in
psychology amid globalization. The research aims to highlight the unique
characteristics of Uzbek psychology and its future prospects.
Keywords
: Uzbekistan, psychology, history of science, national psychology,
Soviet period, education, applied psychology, globalization, psychological
schools, development.
The development of psychology in Uzbekistan began in the late 19th and
early 20th centuries during the period when the region was part of the Russian
Empire. At that time, psychology was closely intertwined with philosophy and
pedagogy. Local enlighteners, such as Ahmad Donish and Mahmudxo‘ja
Behbudiy, showed interest in human psyche and education issues, though
scientific psychology had not yet been established. Uzbek oral traditions,
particularly the moral-psychological analyses in Alisher Navoi’s
Khamsa
, played
a significant role in shaping the foundations of national psychology. [1]
Following the establishment of the Soviet Union, psychology began to develop
within a centralized system. In the 1920s and 1930s, pedagogical institutions
were established in Uzbekistan, and psychology was included in educational
curricula. During this period, the theories of Ivan Pavlov and Lev Vygotsky
significantly influenced Soviet psychology. In Uzbekistan, psychology was
primarily applied in education, focusing on child development and the analysis
of learning processes. By the 1940s, initial psychology courses were introduced
at Tashkent State University (now the National University of Uzbekistan), but its
development as an independent science progressed slowly. Due to ideological
constraints of the Soviet system, psychology was often studied within the
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framework of Marxist-Leninist philosophy, which limited the exploration of local
characteristics. [2]
After Uzbekistan gained independence in 1991, a new phase in the
development of psychology began. National identity and cultural values became
central to psychological research. During this period, Uzbek psychologists
focused on studying the mentality, family relationships, and social behavior of
the Uzbek people. For instance, Professor Saida Beknazarova and other scholars
investigated the psychological dynamics and upbringing methods in Uzbek
families, laying the foundation for a national psychological school. During the
independence years, psychological education expanded. Psychology faculties
were established at Tashkent State Pedagogical University, Samarkand State
University, and other higher education institutions. By the 2000s, psychology
was applied not only in education but also in clinical psychology, organizational
psychology, and counseling services. Through international collaboration,
modern Western psychological methods, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy
and psychoanalysis, were adopted by Uzbek psychologists. At the same time,
they developed approaches tailored to local culture and traditions. For example,
family counseling services incorporated collectivist values and the concept of
mutual care, which are characteristic of Uzbek culture. [3]
Today, psychology in Uzbekistan is developing in the context of
globalization and digitalization. The growing demand for psychological services,
particularly due to increasing mental health issues among youth, has made the
field increasingly significant. Since the 2010s, the government has introduced
programs to support mental health, such as establishing psychological services
in schools. Additionally, online counseling services and psychological
applications are gaining popularity. However, the development of psychology
faces several challenges. [4] These include a shortage of qualified psychologists,
limited financial resources for scientific research, and societal stigma toward
seeking psychological help. To address these issues, it is essential to train
professionals based on international experience, develop research institutes,
and promote psychological services to the public.
Psychology in Uzbekistan is evolving by harmonizing national and global
experiences. Applying modern approaches while considering the unique
psychological characteristics of the Uzbek people is of great importance. In the
future, psychology is expected to become not only a scientific field but also an
integral part of social life.
Conclusion
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The development of psychology in Uzbekistan reflects a unique blend of
historical, cultural, and global influences. From its early roots in philosophy and
pedagogy during the Russian Empire to its growth under Soviet ideological
constraints, psychology has evolved significantly since Uzbekistan's
independence in 1991. The establishment of a national psychological school,
driven by scholars like Saida Beknazarova, has emphasized the importance of
cultural values and local traditions in psychological research and practice.
Despite challenges such as a shortage of qualified professionals and societal
stigma, the field is advancing through expanded education, international
collaboration, and growing public awareness of mental health. Moving forward,
integrating modern psychological approaches with Uzbekistan’s distinct cultural
identity will ensure that psychology continues to thrive as both a scientific
discipline and a vital component of societal well-being.
References:
1.
Beknazarova, S. (2015). Psychological Relationships in the Uzbek Family:
National Characteristics and Modern Approaches. Tashkent: National University
of Uzbekistan Publishing.
2.
Karimov, I. A. (2008). High Spirituality – An Invincible Force. Tashkent:
Ma’naviyat.
3.
Navoiy, A. (1991). Khamsa. Tashkent: Gafur Gulom Literature and Art
Publishing House.
4.
Rakhimov, A., & Usmonova, D. (2020). Development of Psychological
Education in Uzbekistan: From the Soviet Period to Independence. Uzbekistan
Psychology Journal, 15(2), 45–56.
5.
Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher
Psychological Processes. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
6.
World Health Organization. (2022). Mental Health in Central Asia:
Challenges
and
Opportunities.
Retrieved
from
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/mental-health-central-asia
