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Es un trabajo sobre el origen y desarrollo de la psicología de la liberación en relación a situaciones de trauma
Tipo: Esquemas y mapas conceptuales
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This systematic review examines the development and impact of Liberation Psychology, a critical approach within social psychology focused on the individual and collective psyche in contexts of oppression. The review traces its origins, growth, and influence on social and community psychology, particularly regarding the psychological effects of violence and oppression. The study explores the socio-political context of Ignacio Martín-Baró’s work in mid- 20th-century Latin America, where he shaped Liberation Psychology by emphasizing the lived experiences of marginalized groups. His intellectual journey contributed to the core principles of the approach. The review also delves into Liberation Psychology’s theoretical foundations, highlighting its interdisciplinary influences. These foundations aim to transform psychology into a liberatory practice, challenging traditional paradigms. Following the PRISMA framework, the review analyzes key aspects of the studies, including their timeline, geographical focus, research methods, population groups, types of oppression, and trauma. The findings highlight Liberation Psychology's enduring legacy, its relevance in Latin America, and its growing recognition globally. The study emphasizes the importance of social justice, cultural relevance, and community participation in shaping the future of psychology. Ultimately, this review offers a valuable understanding of Liberation Psychology’s trajectory, examining its expansion into diverse contexts and its potential as a critical framework in global psychological practice and research. It also reflects on how Liberation Psychology continues to evolve in response to contemporary challenges, making it a vital tool for addressing trauma and systemic oppression.
to change the perspective from viewing disorders primarily as dysfunction of internal functioning, but instead recognizing them as the manifestation of the humanizing or alienating nature of a framework of social relations, which are historically shaped by both individuals and communities (Blanco, 2023). Therefore, Liberation Psychology emphasizes a praxis that is socially engaged, contextually grounded, and committed to transformative action—one that is collaboratively created and acted upon (Martín-Baró, 1994; Sonn & Montero, 2009). One of his many critiques on how psychology should redefine its horizon emphasized that: "the problem with individualism lies in its insistence on seeing in the individual what is often found only in the collectivity, or in attributing to individuality what is only produced in the dialectic of interpersonal relationships. In this way, individualism ends up reinforcing existing structures by ignoring the reality of social structures and reducing structural problems to personal ones (Martín-Baró, 1998, own translation).” To fully grasp this approach, it must be understood both as a contribution to psychology and as a voice born from a context of oppression. Martín-Baró’s ideas were profoundly shaped by the historical and social conditions of his time, and understanding this context is crucial for appreciating the depth and urgency of his call for a psychology that serves the liberation of oppressed peoples. Equally important is the recognition that wherever liberation psychology is to be practiced, its implementation must be rooted in the specific social, cultural, and historical realities of the people (Portillo, 2012). 1.2. Socio-Political Context of Mid-20th Century Latin America
The mid-20th century in Latin America was marked by intense socio-political upheaval, where revolutions, authoritarian regimes, and heightened militarization created a "vortex" of violence and instability (Granés, 2022). This period was characterized, throughout the region, by widespread systemic violence, repression, and socio-economic inequality. This reality was the manifestation of a history that made it possible and that had left deep scars on the collective psyche, which kept deepening and being reopened. This laid the foundation for movements advocating for justice, equality, and social change. Within this volatile context, Liberation Psychology emerged as a radical response to collective trauma (Bryant, 2024). Midst the socio-political turbulence, the region became a battleground for competing ideological forces. The United States, aiming to suppress leftist movements, supported military dictatorships and repressive regimes, while the Soviet Union aligned with revolutionary ideologies and guerrilla movements. This external involvement intensified internal class struggles and exacerbated existing conflicts, characterized by a small elite controlling most of the land and resources, leaving the rural majority to endure systemic oppression and poverty. The movements that would emerge advocating for labor rights and land reform were violently suppressed by oligarchic regimes (Granés, 2022; Burgenthal, 1995). This atmosphere of repression culminated in conflicts like the Salvadoran Civil War (1980–1992), defined by massacres, forced disappearances, and mass displacement. In El Salvador, state violence escalated as the government, bolstered by U.S. military aid, sought to eradicate the insurgent group Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN) and its civilian supporters. This was the sociopolitical climate in which Martín-Baró lived and worked as he wrote his thesis and engaged in a liberatory praxis of social psychology. In his unpublished work Psychosocial Roots of War in El Salvador (1981), he recounts being jolted awake one night by the detonation of a bomb just outside the Jesuit residence where he lived. Martín-Baró faced the chemical effects, paralyzing fear, and an overwhelming sense of
as well as with Hispanic immigrants during his time in Brussels. These experiences deeply shaped his early commitment to bridging theory and practice (Portillo, 2012). After earning his Ph.D. in social psychology from the University of Chicago, Martín- Baró returned to El Salvador in 1979 to develop his vision of political and critical social psychology. His work purposely shifted the focus to the lived realities of marginalized populations, emphasizing participatory research. His surveys revealed the stark contrast in freedom of expression between the elite and the poor and exposed widespread abuses, such as the systemic sexual violence perpetrated by soldiers in rural areas. These efforts directly challenged the government’s narratives and highlighted the psychological toll of repression on marginalized communities (Portillo, 2012; Tojeira, 1989). Martín-Baro's work in Liberation Psychology became a vital tool for exposing the government’s false narratives and addressing the psychological toll of repression. In 1989 he established the University Institute of Public Opinion at UCA to enable participatory research that systematically uncovered discrepancies between the state’s claims and the lived realities of the population. He used opinion surveys to counter the Salvadorian government's propaganda about the opinions of the population (Martín-Baró, 1989; 1996), both feeding the results back to the government and making them available to an international audience. This was an important contribution in undermining the support the United States provided to the Salvadoran military. Surveys conducted by the Institute challenged official narratives on several fronts. Contrary to government claims that the population opposed dialogue with the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN), the data revealed significant public support for dialogue. The findings also exposed widespread abuses, such as the systemic sexual violence perpetrated by soldiers in rural areas, directly contradicting state assertions of improving
human rights. Additionally, the research highlighted the pervasive fear among marginalized populations to express their opinions publicly, in stark contrast to the relative freedom of the elite. Through these efforts, Martín-Baró used empirical evidence to de-ideologize political discourse, countering the state’s distorted narratives and highlighting the psychological effects of living in such a “schizophrenic” reality, as Gránes (2022) would call it, on the people. His work not only revealed the psychological and social impact of repression but also provided a framework for empowering oppressed communities. Tragically, his life was cut short on November 16, 1989, when he was assassinated by a government-aligned death squad, alongside five fellow Jesuit professors and two UCA employees. This event underscored the risks faced by those challenging entrenched systems of power. Nevertheless, his work has continued to influence approaches to understanding the psychological dimensions of social conflict and the potential for collective action in addressing these challenges (Burgenthal, 1995; Burton, 2013).
became central to the region’s intellectual struggle. Influential figures such as Paulo Freire (1921-1997) in education and Augusto Boal (1931-2009) in theatre extended these ideas into broader cultural contexts. Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed (1972) deeply influenced Martín-Baró, offering a framework for critical reflection and transformative action, which he adapted to psychology, Freire first coined the concept of conscientização, the development of critical consciousness. Similarly, Boal’s Theater of the Oppressed (1979) proposed a creative and emancipatory practice that resonates with liberation psychology’s goals of empowerment and challenging systemic oppression. Martín-Baró synthesized these principles to develop a psychology that empowered oppressed populations and actively contested the status quo (Granés, 2022; Burton, 2013). 2.2. Core Principles Liberation Psychology critiques dominant Eurocentric psychological frameworks that Martín- Baró argued often serve as tools of cultural control, supporting hegemonic forces while ignoring systemic inequities. He believed true self-awareness required confronting these social realities, a task that traditional psychology had largely overlooked. Martín-Baró (1994) drew heavily from the core principles of Liberation Theology, particularly the belief in a “ God of life ” , the primacy of “ orthopraxis over orthodoxy ”, and the “ preferential option for the poor ”, adapting them into three foundational principles of Liberation Psychology: A New Horizon, A New Epistemology, and A New Praxis (Burton, 2013). A New Horizon : This principle calls for a new direction in psychology, one focused not on adapting to oppressive conditions, but on envisioning and working toward a liberated future. The lived experiences of the oppressed are central to this approach, transforming psychological practice into a tool for imagining and achieving new possibilities for human
development. Psychology must prioritize marginalized communities, addressing systemic injustices and empowering individuals to regain control over their lives. A New Epistemology : Martín-Baró argued that psychological knowledge is not a neutral truth but is deeply intertwined with the struggles of the oppressed. He emphasized that serving the liberation of the people requires a new way of acquiring knowledge — one rooted not in their present oppression but in the possibilities of their future liberty. This perspective demands a shift in both epistemology and praxis. Psychologists must adopt a perspective "from below," aligning their practices with the lived realities of the oppressed and prioritizing social justice, human development, and community empowerment. Instead of viewing psychosocial processes from the vantage point of the dominator, Liberation Psychology poses the challenge to explore these processes from the perspective of the dominated, whose truth is yet to be created. A New Praxis : Martín-Baró called for a new praxis in psychology. This approach centers the work of psychologists on the needs and experiences of marginalized populations. Rather than treating individual symptoms in isolation, psychologists are urged to understand and intervene within broader social, political, and economic contexts. Liberation Psychology, therefore, becomes not just a tool for individual healing but a practice for collective transformation, addressing psychological trauma caused by systemic oppression and empowering communities to challenge and change these structures. These principles - new horizon, new epistemology, and new praxis - serve as the bedrock of Liberation Psychology, offering a framework for transforming psychology into a liberatory practice. They prioritize collective liberation, social justice, and human development, over individual adjustment or purely theoretical inquiry. Martín-Baró’s ideas called for psychology to shift from individualistic models to ones rooted in history and social relations. He argued that mental health and illness reflect the
Objectives and methodology
3. 1. Aim and Rationale of the Study In line with the considerations above, this systematic review aims to explore the different ways in which Liberation Psychology has been adopted and has influenced the field since its inception in Latin America. Specifically, it seeks to trace its early formulations, its subsequent development, and its impact on social and community psychology, mapping its theoretical and practical evolution over time, particularly in relation to the psychological consequences of oppression and violence. This study examines how Liberation Psychology has taken root in Latin America, analyzing the extent to which it has shaped psychological theory and praxis in the region in the context of collective and individual trauma. Additionally, it explores how its principles have been adapted or mirrored in other postcolonial contexts, identifying commonalities and divergences in addressing trauma resulting from various forms of oppression. At the same time, the research considers its application in Western contexts, such as the United States and Europe, questioning whether it could be meaningfully implemented in societies where it might be perceived as an "alien" psychology, and how these contexts might understand trauma within the framework of Liberation Psychology. From these considerations, we ask the following specific research questions, which underpin the rationale of our inquiry: 1. How has Liberation Psychology evolved beyond its origins in El Salvador, and to what extent does it continue to address the specific concerns of Latin American psychologists today, particularly in relation to psychosocial trauma
As illustrated in Table 1, the initial search yielded a total of 88 records: 35 from Scopus, 18 from APA PsycInfo, and 35 from Redalyc. Table 1. The search strategy. Before screening, 14 duplicate records and 1 record in a language other than English or Spanish were removed, and 2 were not retrieved, resulting in 71 records for screening. Of which 9 didn’t pass the eligibility criteria, resulting in 62 remaining. The final selection comprised 71 studies, which were reviewed and analyzed. The selection process was systematically documented using a spreadsheet to record essential bibliographic details, including title, year of publication, author(s), journal, country of interest, population of interest, methodology, theoretical frameworks, concepts of trauma and scenarios of oppression, limitations and key findings. This approach ensured a structured and reproducible synthesis of the literature. Scopus Search query: TITLE-ABS-KEY (“Liberation psychology” OR “Martin- Baro”) AND “trauma” OR “psychosocial trauma” Identified records: 35 (journal articles in English) PsycInfo Search query: AB (“Liberation psychology” OR “Martin-Baro”) AND “trauma” OR “psychosocial trauma” Identified records: 18 (journal articles in English) Redalyc Search query: (“Psicología de la liberación” OR “Martín Baró") AND “trauma” OR “trauma psicosocial”) Identified records: 35 (psychology journal articles in Spanish and English)
Results and Analysis 4.1. Timeline and Study Area Figure 2. presents the temporal distribution of the studies included in the systematic review, categorized by the year of publication. The trend suggests a generally growing research interest in this topic, with the number of studies increasing in recent years. Notably, the majority of the studies were written from 2013 onward, with a peak occurring that same at 2020 and with half of the studies being written from that year on. The increasing number of publications highlights the increasing relevance of this research field, as it keeps evolving in Latin America and awakening interest in the Global North. Figure
2. Temporal distribution of the articles included in the systematic review. Note. Light blue corresponds to reports from the Global North (North American and Western European countries). Dark blue corresponds to reports from the Global South (Latin-American, African, South-East-Asian and Arab countries).
