Boston College Receives $4.3 Million Grant for Psychological Humanities Initiative

The project is designed to reintegrate psychology with the humanities, aiming to enhance the discipline's capacity to tackle profound ethical dilemmas and existential questions. Project administrators highlight that while psychology has grown significantly over the past century through empirical and naturalistic methods, this progress has sometimes overshadowed its humanistic dimensions due to a distancing from philosophy, theology, and other humanities.

In light of the escalating demand for mental health services and the challenges faced by hospitals, which are increasingly overwhelmed, the initiative emphasizes the need for psychology to engage with fundamental moral and existential issues. David Goodman, Executive Director of CPHE and dean of Boston College's Woods College of Advancing Studies, noted the importance of psychology addressing the whole person—not just in clinical terms but also considering spiritual and ethical dimensions.

The project seeks to promote a humanistic approach to psychology that incorporates character, virtue, and wonder into training and practice. Boston College is ideally positioned to lead this shift, due to its Jesuit educational mission focused on caring for the whole person.

Currently, CPHE supports approximately 3,000 clinicians annually with continuing education, manages two book series, and hosts an international conference on psychology and related topics. Boston College also offers the nation’s first undergraduate minor in the psychological humanities and has recently initiated a master’s program in Writing and the Human Condition. A new doctoral program in clinical psychology will soon launch, grounded in the principles of psychological humanities.

Matthew Clemente, director of research and curriculum at CPHE, expressed enthusiasm for the expanded opportunities this grant will provide, aiming to influence not only the discipline of psychology but also broader perspectives on personhood and interpersonal relationships.

James C. Rahn, president of the Kern Family Foundation, emphasized their support for the CPHE, highlighting its potential to transform the training and practice of clinical psychologists.

At the core of the new project is Flourish, a multimedia platform intended to serve as a primary resource for various stakeholders, including clinicians, educators, and clergy. Flourish will offer a variety of educational materials, such as videos, podcasts, and professional certification programs. Two fellowship programs will drive content creation and outreach, focusing on behavioral and civic engagement.

The initiative plans to extend its reach through partnerships with notable media outlets and annual conferences designed to promote ethical discussions in psychology. A follow-up event related to the successful inaugural conference on art and character is scheduled for Madrid in 2027, while New York City will host gatherings that provide continuing education for clinicians.

Lastly, the project aims to enhance clinical training by expanding continuing education offerings and creating a Kern Fellows program, which will involve doctoral students in promoting research that merges humanities with psychology. This movement within the field reflects a growing desire among students and practicing psychologists for a deeper, ethically informed understanding of human experience.