Albinas Bagdonas

The History of Lithuanian Psychology

The history of Lithuanian psychology parallels the sociopolitical history of the country. Due to repeated occupations of the country and other unfavorable conditions, scientific thought and innovations were delayed for decades. Development of psychology in Lithuania can be divided in three periods: (1) interwar (1918–1940), (2) Soviet occupation (1940–1990), and (3) regained independence (since 1990). Institutionalization of psychology is analyzed in four aspects: research, development of studies, applied practice, and scientific communication. The beginning of the professional psychology in Lithuania is inseparable from the establishment and activity of the University of Lithuania (later Vytautas Magnus University). Major tasks and activities that the first Lithuanian psychologists undertook during the interwar period were the dissemination of scientific psychological knowledge. Scientific research was consistent with the tendencies established in European psychology, in particular German psychology. Dur...

Senų žmonių funkcionavimo, senatvės ir senėjimo tyrimų gairės: biopsichosocialinio modelio prieiga

The application of the WHO biopsychosocial approach to the researches of senility, aging and life problems of old people (ICF) is reviewed. After a brief presentation of aging statistics in Lithuania, the semantic field of using terms in the area of life periodization is discussed and the names for each period and sub-period are proposed. The composition of the ICF model (body structures and functions, activities, participation and contextual factors) is presented, together with the usage of components of the ICF model in researches regarding senility. New conceptions of a “functioning reserve” and the “integral aspects of functioning” are proposed and incorporated in the ICF model. A review of researches of psychological well-being of old people – one of the integral aspects of functioning of old people in Lithuania – is presented. There is a very good coherence of views between the authors of this paper on the topic of senility and the misconceptions of aging and health, which were recently presented by WHO.

Balanced Time Perspective: Many Questions and Some Answers

Balanced time perspective is one of the areas in time perspective research that attracts the most attention. This implies that it might be one of the mechanisms underlying well-being. Moreover, conducted analysis allows for the conclusion that there are at least two reliable ways to recognize the balanced time perspective: the method of profiles and the method of deviation from balanced time perspective. In addition, there are indications that other time perspective profiles exist, with the best investigated among them being negative time perspective profile. Despite considerable interest in this field, many issues regarding the balanced time perspective remain unaddressed. Further investigation should focus on examining the dynamic nature of the balanced time perspective, as well as the nature and significance of other suggested time perspective profiles.

LIETUVOS PSICHOLOGŲ SĄJUNGA: 50 METŲ TAPSMAS

Lithuanian Psychological Association: 50 Years of Development Albinas Bagdonas, Juvencijus Lapė, Gintautas Valickas