Brazilian Society of Psychology

Brazilian Society of Psychology
Name	Brazilian Society of Psychology
Native name	Sociedade Brasileira de Psicologia
Abbreviation	SBP
Formation	1960
Headquarters	São Paulo
Region	Brazil

Brazilian Society of Psychology The Brazilian Society of Psychology is a professional association based in São Paulo that represents psychologists across Brazil and interfaces with institutions such as the Universidade de São Paulo, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Ministry of Health (Brazil), Conselho Federal de Psicologia and international bodies like the American Psychological Association and the International Union of Psychological Science. Founded amid interactions with organizations including the Pan American Health Organization, the World Health Organization, the Latin American Association of Psychology and academic centers in Rio de Janeiro, the society has been active in policy debates involving the Constituição da República Federativa do Brasil de 1988, public health, and higher education reforms tied to CAPES and CNPq.

History

The society was established in the context of professional movements that involved figures and institutions such as Paulo Freire, Florestan Fernandes, Getúlio Vargas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, and the postwar networks linked to the United Nations and the Organization of American States. Early milestones included collaborations with the Fundação Getulio Vargas, exchanges with the British Psychological Society, participation in forums alongside the Brazilian Academy of Sciences and the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, and responses to legislation like the Lei de Diretrizes e Bases da Educação Nacional. During periods of political transition involving the Military dictatorship in Brazil (1964–1985), the society engaged with human rights groups tied to the Direitos Humanos movement and with researchers from the Instituto de Psicologia da USP and the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais.

Organization and Governance

The society’s governance structure includes an executive board, technical committees, and regional sections that interface with state universities such as Universidade Federal da Bahia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, and professional councils like the Conselho Regional de Psicologia. Leadership elections and statutes have been influenced by interactions with international counterparts including the European Federation of Psychologists' Associations and national stakeholders like the Ministry of Education (Brazil), São Paulo State Government, and municipal health secretariats in cities such as Salvador and Fortaleza. Committees coordinate with research funders such as FAPESP and with academic publishers like SciELO.

Activities and Programs

Programs span continuing education, ethics training, and advocacy initiatives linked to institutions such as the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da USP, Associação Brasileira de Psiquiatria, and nongovernmental organizations including Amnesty International regional offices and the Brazilian Red Cross. The society runs outreach in partnership with municipal health departments in Belo Horizonte and Curitiba, promotes practice guidelines developed with the Brazilian Medical Association, and supports community mental health projects connected to the Sistema Único de Saúde and local foundations like the Fundação Oswaldo Cruz.

Publications and Research

The society publishes journals and bulletins that feature research from authors affiliated with Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Universidade de Brasília, and international collaborators from the University of Oxford, Harvard University, University of Cambridge, and University of Toronto. Its publications have been indexed in databases alongside titles from publishers such as Elsevier, Springer, and platforms like SciELO and engage with topics reflected in work by scholars associated with the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and research councils including CAPES.

Conferences and Events

National congresses and symposia are held periodically in cities including Porto Alegre, Recife, Manaus, and São Paulo, attracting delegates from organizations such as the American Psychological Association, the International Congress of Psychology, the Latin American Congress of Psychology, and university centers like Universidade Estadual Paulista. Events have hosted panels featuring contributors connected to institutions such as Columbia University, Universidad de Buenos Aires, King's College London, and agencies like the World Health Organization.

Membership and Professional Standards

Membership categories mirror models used by the American Psychological Association and the British Psychological Society and include student, associate, full, and emeritus levels; members often hold positions at institutions such as the Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, and clinical settings like Hospital Sírio-Libanês. Ethical codes and professional standards have been debated in contexts involving the Conselho Federal de Psicologia, higher education regulators like MEC, and judicial rulings referencing the Supremo Tribunal Federal.

Impact and Criticism

The society has influenced policy discussions involving the Sistema Único de Saúde, university accreditation overseen by CAPES, and national mental health laws inspired by international frameworks like the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, while facing criticism from academics at institutions such as Universidade Estadual de Campinas, activists associated with Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra, and professional groups challenging positions taken on topics debated in forums including the National Human Rights Council and the Federal Public Ministry.

Category:Psychology organizations