Peace Psychology Book Series

This timely collection of chapters written by international experts bridges the gap between peace psychology and restorative justice. The Editors combined their respective fields of expertise to start a much-needed debate on the potential but also risks that are associated when implementing restorative justice in the peace psychology field. The volume highlights how psychological theory and research can inform and evaluate the potential of restorative practices in formal and informal educational settings as well as the criminal justice space. The chapters cover both negative and positive peace across levels while introducing the reader to various case studies from across the world. All in all, the book explores how restorative justice can promote positive peace through its connection fostering dialogue, empathy, forgiveness, and other key psychological elements of peace.

A timely contribution to the study of peace psychology in Latin America, this volume describes clinical, psychosocial, and community interventions with victims from Mexico to Chile from the 1970s onward. Chapters analyze how to conceptualize complex processes such as the appropriation of children and political repression, raising psychological, juridical, and political implications for the victims, their families, human rights organizations, and society. Also included are studies and analyses of political processes in countries currently undergoing crises such as Venezuela and Colombia and the challenges posed by the peace process from a political psychology perspective. All authors present the results of studies or clinical cases illustrating creative methodologies and practices in different contexts.

This book provides the context for differences in the victims' damages and the treatment approaches and methodologies adopted in each case. The authors outline psychological perspectives grounded in ethical and professional choices based on recognizing people's dignity while seeking rehabilitation and reparations for victims, families, and communities. It paves the way for reparations and rehabilitation, and ultimately to the establishment of democracy and peace in this part of the world.

Readers will benefit from

• understanding the relationship between mental health and human rights
• understanding ethical and professional dimensions
• a broadened knowledge of working with victims

This edited volume highlights a type of violence largely overlooked by peace psychologists; it explores ‘epistemic violence’ which refers to the silencing of the marginalized, racialized and colonized people in the process of knowledge production. This book celebrates the voices and the agency of the subalterns, honoring their visions, testimonies and struggles to push boundaries and create spaces for peace within oppressive environments. “Visions and Praxis from below” refers to peace visions and struggles of the people who live “below the vital ability of shaping the world according to their own vision”. It is a challenge to the hegemonic perspective that ‘credible’ thinking on peace can only be done by the people ‘from above’.  This perspective will add to the understanding of not only peace psychologists, but all those who work toward social justice.