Psychology for the 21st Century
June 27-30, 2005
Dr. Paul C. Vitz

EICEEs conference on Psychology for the 21st Century dealt with an area in medical practice that is in great demand in CEE. The communist regime and its fear of terror, dealt shattering effects on personality and the psychology of millions. In light of this human tragedy EICEE seeks to bring the latest notions and developments in psychology to practitioners and medical personnel that deal with the consequences of decades of communist ideology at every level of human society. Psychologists and students of psychology gathered from over 13 different nations of CEE to learn exchange and discuss recent practices, social and clinical methodologies that could address the concrete problems of their societies.

The conference was led by Dr. Paul Vitz, Professor of Psychology Emeritus at the New York University. Since getting his doctorate in experimental psychology at Stanford University, he has done extensive research in personality theory, moral development.

Dr. Vitz proposed the analysis of several new trends in psychology, including new approaches to positive psychology and personalism, as well as the role of forgiveness in psychotherapy and the importance of fatherhood. Students were particularly impressed by the recent studies on the role of forgiveness in building a healthy society. They reported that this notion has been denigrated by the ideology of communism and yet crucially needed. They welcomed the challenge of bringing the deep humanity implied by this notion back to Central and Eastern European society, supported by the latest developments in psychological research.

I find the specific topicsbuilding of positive character strength, forgiveness, interpersonal psychology and fatherhoodvery brilliantly chosen, also because we are confronted with similar problems in post socialist countries

Maria Glasova, Comenius University , Slovakia
Associate professor, Department of Psychology

The West could contribute to the education in the East in two ways: one, obviously, reach out to them with ideas& And second to be encouraging. The West can encourage them, and give them that kind of confidence through programs like we have here at Neuwaldegg.
Dr. Paul Vitz