THE DIFFICULTY OF TEACHING ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY IN JAPAN: CULTURE AND HISTORY

In Japan, clinical psychology has become very popular in the past 10 years, and clinical psychology programs and faculties have increased. However, teaching abnormal psychology in Japan can be a difficult task. One of the difficulties comes from the negative attitude of Japanese clinical psychology faculty and students toward diagnosing clients. Japanese clinical psychology was strongly influenced by Carl Rogers’ humanistic thinking; “unconditional positive regard” has deeply permeated Japanese clinical psychology. In this presentation, this historical and cultural factor in Japanese clinical psychology will be compared to the Japanese history of acceptance of Buddhism.

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