Introduction to the Department of Psychology
At the Department of Psychology, we conduct internationally significant research and provide the latest knowledge-based teaching for psychology professionals. Our teaching focuses on developmental and educational psychology, neuropsychology, clinical psychology and work and organisational psychology.
Our research activities are wide-ranging. Research focuses in particular on learning and teaching, child and adolescent development, psychotherapy, work and brain research.
Finland's first professorship in psychology was established in 1936 in Jyväskylä. Before that, psychology had been taught at the Universities of Turku and Helsinki with philosophy studies. The first three years of the professorship were held by Niilo Mäki. Niilo Mäki had become known for his interest in the psychology of deviant individuals. Under his leadership, basic research in developmental psychology was initiated at the department and educational counselling was also provided.
The next professor was Arvo Lehtovaara from 1939 to 1952. The war years left their mark on the Department of Psychology, even Professor Arvo Lehtovaara spent five years in military service. Arvo Lehtovaara can rightly be called the pioneer of Finnish child psychology.
In 1954, Martti Takala, who later became the rector of the university, became professor of psychology. Martti Takala was Professor of Psychology from 1954 to 1988 and initiated personality research at the department. Takala conducted extensive research on Finnish families with children, their lifestyle, and educational measures.
