Psychosocial studies: between psychoanalysis, critical psychology and everything else

Abstract

This is the first introduction in Spanish to the emerging transdisciplinary field of Psychosocial Stu-dies. After discussing the denomination of the field and its distinction with respect to psychology and other disciplines, its foundations and its antecedents are probed, not only in Freud’s work and in the socio-cultural theory of psychoanalysis, but also in traditions independent from or adverse to the psychoanalytic perspective. This field’s origins and history are then explored, from its first steps in the 50s and 70s to its dissemination in British universities since the eighties. Some particularly important ideas and contributions of Psychosocial Studies are reviewed, as well as its central questions, among them the unity between the psychic and the social. After highlighting the distinctive theoretical and methodological pluralism of the field, a balance is made of its main divergences and controversies, both external, concerning psychology, and internal, between the psychosocial monistic and psycho-social dualistic options. Finally, some problems and deficiencies of the Psychosocial Studies are recognized, emphasizing their claudication in the critical Marxist project. The conclusion points to openings and new opportunities offered by Psychosocial Studies