Abstract

A personal evaluation and some memories are presented, stemming from a long lasting teaching experience at the Padova University. An analysis was performed of the Italian cultural context in the early seventies, showing a rather diffuse interest on psychological issues; the recruitement strategies worked out by the Padova Faculty in order to respond to these increasing demands are also illustrated, particularly the initial difficulties in implementing a qualifyied teaching staff. However, the basic cultural solidity of those first attempts and the variety of the disciplinary options provided to the students are also stressed, compared to the paucity of the present 3 + 2 professional formation system. Some considerations are also put forward about the evolution of the psychological profession, from a vague and biased representation in ordinary people, confounding Psychology and Psychiatry, to a more precise knowledge and increasing appraisal.