Abstract
The objective of this study is to follow the historical development of reform movements in the Japanese Association of Clinical Psychology (JACP) and determine the extent to which clinical psychologists have confronted the difficulty in denying their professional nature while recognizing their own suppression of that nature.
Starting in the 1970s, JACP conducted a comprehensive examination of clinical psychology. Since they complained about the suppression of psychological tests and psychotherapy and the complete denial of their own professional nature, a search was made for a relationship of “struggling together and working together” beyond their involvement as professionals.
However, the intention to break down their professional nature taken throughout the 1970s jeopardized the status of clinical psychologists providing services while depending on their professional nature. This intent not only denied their professional nature, but also prevented them from practicing routine clinical psychology. Starting in the 1980s, JACP began to reevaluate the professional nature of clinical psychologists by seeking out knowledge, techniques and methodologies able to be used in the clinical setting based on routine clinical practices. A specific outcome was the conducting of the case study groups and practical interactive research. On the other hand, the need for qualifications was asserted by members of the medical profession. In particular, there were considerable opposing opinions within the JACP surrounding cooperation with the Ministry of Welfare in the establishment of a national certification program for medical psychologists.
This study focuses on differences in the nature of JACP's activities during the 1970s and 1980s with regard to such reform movements.
