The Leningrad school of psychology during the war: Contribution to science, practice, and education

Abstract

Contemporary psychological theory and practice, both in Russia and internationally, frequently prioritize foreign research, which can lead to the undervaluation and insufficient integration of foundational domestic scientific achievements. Consequently, the unique and valuable legacy of Russian psychological science and the history of its educational development often remain understudied, potentially hindering the formation of a distinct and innovative scientific school. A renewed engagement with this legacy, reviving its rich traditions and significant discoveries, can substantially enhance the training of a new generation of Russian psychologists and inspire the development of methodologies based on the principle of scientific continuity. The Great Patriotic War marked a significant stage in Russia’s history and for the development of psychological science. In 2025, as we celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, it is pertinent to re-examine the contributions of psychological science and education during that era. It was during the most severe conditions of the war that the Leningrad school of psychology was consolidated, with its representatives dedicated to aiding the population, defending the city, and preserving the nation’s sovereignty. Main research methods: historical reconstruction, which allows restoring events based on archival data, and the biographical method, focusing on the lives of psychologists. Biographical and autobiographical approaches were supplemented by interviews with contemporaries or the scientists themselves to collect personal testimonies. This research collected and synthesized material on the work of prominent scientists who made significant contributions to the war effort and the development of psychological education, including Vladimir Nikolaevich Myasishchev, Boris Gerasimovich Ananyev, Avgusta Viktorovna Yarmolenko, and Evgeny Sergeevich Kuzmin. The data collection involved students from the Faculty of Psychology at Saint Petersburg State University and included interviews with direct students of the Leningrad school’s founders and other witnesses to the events. The circumstances of the Great Patriotic War profoundly influenced the trajectory of psychological science, fostering the development of new methods and approaches under extreme conditions, many of which remain relevant today. The work of these Russian psychologists stands as a notable example of service to both science and the nation. They not only provided critical support during a period of immense difficulty but also established a scientific legacy that formed the foundation for the development of psychology training across the country. Their names deserve preservation for future generations as exemplars of high professionalism, dedication, and patriotism.