The Department of Psychology at the Faculty for Social Wellbeing of the University of Malta recently launched the book Psychology and the Arts: Perceptions and Perspectives, edited by Carmel Cefai & Louis Lagana` and published by Malta University Publishing.

The book has more than twenty authors from Europe, USA and other countries, and covers a broad range of themes in psychology and the arts from Greek tragedy to contemporary films, from dreams, desire, and creativity to works of literature such as Shakespeare and Hardy, to spaces, archetypes and symbols such as the Mother Goddess, and to the visual arts such as street art, photography, films and painting.  

Dott. Greta Darmanin Kissaun, Head of the Department of Psychology, opened the launch, followed by Dr Louis Lagana who read an excerpt from his chapter in the book. Dr Andrew Azzopardi, Dean of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing, chaired the discussion panel which consisted of Dr Jean-Paul Baldacchino, anthropologist and Head of the Department of Anthropology, Prof. Saviour Catania, associate professor in media and communications at the Faculty of Media and Knowledge Sciences, Dr Marta Sant, counselling psychologist at the Department of Psychology, and Rev. John Vella, psychotherapist and Head of the Counselling Services.

Michela Scerri a Psychology student compered the event, while Gemima Fabri, another Psychology student, played a number of jazz pieces on her guitar. The event was held in the historic medieval chamber of Palazzo Falson, Mdina, followed by the reception at the Palazzo’s charming courtyard.