Traditions and Meanings in Psychology Training: The Development of Contradictions in Real Practice in Mexico
摘要
This chapter critically examines the evolution, contradictions, and future directions of psychology education and practice in Mexico. Psychology’s historical development is situated within broader scientific and technological trends, highlighting its transition from a medically rooted discipline to a multifaceted field with growing social relevance. Mexican psychologyMexican psychology is currently challenged by seven key contradictions that hinder the discipline's advancement: the misalignment between psychology’s teaching content and its societal purpose; the limited reach of psychological services in underserved populations; the fragmentation caused by over-specialization; the subordination of psychological training to medicalized health policies; the insufficient pedagogical preparation of psychology educators; the inadequate response to digital-era demands; and the underdevelopment of contextually relevant, applied research. Based upon national data and curriculum analyses, Mexican psychology continues to be challenged by persistent disparities between educational frameworks and real-world professional dilemmas. There is a need for a significant shift toward ethically grounded, socially engaged, and pedagogically informed psychology education. In the context of Mexico’s complex sociocultural landscape, greater emphasis should be placed on integrating technological competence, critical thinking, and research innovation into professional training. The chapter concludes by advocating for reflexive practice, interdisciplinary dialogue, and systemic reform for ensuring Mexican psychology’s continued relevance, credibility, and impact in the twenty-first century.