The Psychology of peace

Abstract

This article presents the historical and conceptual context of Peace Psychology. The main goal of this research area is to apply the knowledge and methods of Psychology with a view to prevent conflicts and promote human rights and peace. The psychological focus on such topics took place within the context of the Cold War: concerns about the possibility of a nuclear war encouraged some psychologists to contribute to efforts of war prevention and peace promotion. Since then, Peace Psychology has offered important contributions at the level of research and intervention in this domain, particularly within the United States context. Although in most european countries this research area is booming, it still remains relatively unknown in Portugal.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17575/rpsicol.v27i1.241