Activities of Soviet psychologists in the South Urals during the Great Patriotic War

Background. On the 75th anniversary of the victory of the USSR in World War II, the discussion on the role of psychologists in this difficult time for the country is relevant. The article discusses the contribution of psychologists to the recovery and return to service of wounded soldiers on the example of A. Luria and his team in an evacuation hospital in the South Urals. The research activity and practice of psychological rehabilitation in a neurosurgical hospital are analyzed, the emergence of neuropsychology as a new direction in psychology is revealed. Aim. To identify the contribution of psychologists working in an evacuation hospital in the South Urals in the rehabilitation of wounded soldiers and mental health recovery. Theoretical foundations. The study was carried out by in-depth analysis of the scientific literature on Russian history and the history of psychology and scientific sources based on the works of A.R. Luria and his team in the postwar period. Results. During the war years, psychologists collected the richest empirical material, numerous data and results, on the basis of which articles and fundamental publications were prepared that determined and stimulated the emergence of new branches of psychological science (neuropsychology, military psychology, psychophysiology, health psychology). Of crucial importance for the development of science was the theory of the brain organization of the higher mental functions of a person, which defines higher mental functions as a complex form of mental activity, for the implementation of which certain brain structures are responsible - strictly differentiated formations combined into various systems. The emergence of a psychological community was also stimulated on the periphery, where before the war psychology was still almost undeveloped. Conclusion. The research of many Russian scientists and, in particular Alexander Luria, not only contributed to the great Victory of the Soviet people but also stimulated scientific progress. Psychology during the Great Patriotic War received a powerful incentive for its further development.