An International scientific conference related to the issues of psychology was held at YSU

The goal of the conference, which has become a tradition, was to bring together Armenian and foreign psychologists from different countries and discuss the theoretical and applied problems related to the field together, the possible ways to solve them, and the opportunities for cooperation.

The international conference was attended by more than 100 representatives of the field both from RA universities (Armenian State Pedagogical University named after Kh. Abovyan, Armenian-Russian University, State University named after V. Brusov, RA State Administration Academy, RA National Academy of Sciences, Yerevan State Medical University), and from more than 45 universities in France, USA, Canada, Great Britain, Russia, Belarus, Georgia and other countries.

More than 48 reports presented during the two days were related to experimental psychology, psychology of trauma, crisis, emergency and post-war situations, neuroscience, psychology of personality and social environment, management and organizational psychology, sport psychology, developmental and pedagogical psychology, psychological concepts of inclusive education, psychological education, interdisciplinary research, and other topics. In addition to presenting reports, plenary discussions, educational and debate sessions, seminars, etc. were also held within the framework of the conference.

Based on the theses guaranteed by the organizing committee of the conference, it is planned to publish scientific articles in the scientific journal "Modern Psychology" which is of international importance, as scientific articles of international partners are also published here, and the electronic version of the journal is available worldwide.

YSU rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, emphasizing the importance of the conference, noted, "The scientific conference, which is being held for the 9th time, is a wonderful platform for the exchange of professional views, discussions, and debates, the outcome of which will be scientific articles. They will be available not only to the Armenian but also to the international audience, which will strengthen YSU's position in the international scientific community."

Head of the YSU General Psychology Chair and President of the Union of Psychologists of Armenia Hrant Avanesyan emphasized, "Today psychology in Armenia has a level of development that meets international standards, as evidenced by the visit of famous scientists. They come not only to teach but also to discuss with us equally and learn from the experience here."

In December 2022, the non-governmental organization "Union of Psychologists of Armenia" was founded, which aims to adopt the ethical norms of the psychologist's activity and to license the psychological activity. Taking a long time to solve the problems, the association works with psychologists and psychiatrists in Canada and the US, one of whom is the honored guest of the conference Professor Rita Sulahyan-Kouyumjian from Canada's McGill University.

Referring to the cooperation with the university, Rita Sulahyan-Kuyumjian said, "Within the framework of cooperation with Yerevan State University and the Union of Psychologists of Armenia, we want to introduce the FOCUS (Families Overcoming Under Stress) program in Armenia, which was developed by scientists from Harvard and California universities. The project aims to support families in war-torn countries through various psychological services. We think that the success of FOCUS in different countries can also be useful for Armenian families experiencing stress and trauma during the war."

Experts emphasize the introduction of the FOCUS program, taking into account the war operations that have taken place in recent years and the stressful state of mind caused by them.