Welcome to Valencia

We have been commissioned by ACIPE to organise the 11th International Congress of Psychology and Education at the University of Valencia. We hope to be able to live up to the organisational and scientific quality of previous congresses.

Over the last few years, we have experienced what can perhaps be called the most serious socio-sanitary crisis of the last century. The containment measures imposed by the authorities in almost all countries (confinement, quarantine, social distancing, etc.) have had serious consequences. In terms of education, the interruption of social, school and educational activities has led to a decline in the development of children at this stage of their education, young adolescents have seen their possibilities for socialisation diminished and the consequences are still being evaluated.

On the other hand, in order to alleviate, as far as possible, the effects of the necessary confinements, the use of information and communication technologies has been promoted. In the mid-90s of the last century, the use of the Internet began to become popular, promoting the development of social networks, OTT (over-the-top) platforms, e-learning, etc. However, it was during the COVID-19 pandemic years, due to the restrictions imposed, that the use of screens grew exponentially. The process of widespread digitalisation of services has required the population to improve their skills in the use of these tools, increasing the unequal implementation that was already perceived among different social groups. Older people have seen their possibilities for social participation diminished by a lack of digital skills; the most economically vulnerable social groups have not only been segregated by a lack of digital skills, but also by inaccessibility to the necessary technological means. On the other hand, due to confinement, excessive exposure to screens is also generating adverse effects (addictions, anxiety and depression, distorted perception of self-image, values, etc.), all risks that are accentuated in the child and youth population.

The slogan we have chosen for the XI International Congress of Psychology and Education, "Psychological Well-being and Digitalisation: the great challenge for psychology today", attempts to reflect the concern that professionals and scientists in the field have about the consequences that these events may have in the short, medium and long term on the development of children and young people who have experienced these circumstances. We therefore invite all researchers and professionals in the field of Psychology and Education to contribute their studies and conclusions on this subject within the framework of the 11th CIPE in the year 20.23.

Our city and our universities welcome all participants. We hope that you will spend some pleasant days in our company and that the conclusions of the CIPE XI will allow us to better understand the situation and its consequences and thus help the authorities to take measures to improve the quality of life and psychological well-being of our children and young people during the formative stages.

We look forward to seeing you in Valencia on 16, 17 and 18 June 2023.

Best regards

Francisco Alcantud Marín

President of the XI International Congress of Psychology and Education

ACIPE (Scientific Association of Psychology and Education), continuing with its already classic work of psychoeducational scientific dissemination through congresses, is preparing to hold its XI International Congress of Psychology and Education in the joyful and noble university city of Valencia (Spain). It will take place from 26 to 28 June 2023.

So far, the previous ten or so congresses have had one common denominator: academic and professional success, and we know that success will most likely call for success. The empirical proof: the large number of interested and registered participants from countries all over the world at the previous congresses. Needless to say, we are extremely grateful.

Our commitment in this one can only be to try our best not to disappoint the hopes and expectations placed in us. Since noblesse oblige, we will try to ensure that the desire to share relevant learning and teachings is satisfied to a large extent. This is the basic obligation of any self-respecting Scientific Association, especially being, as in this case, a member of COSCE (Confederation of Spanish Scientific Societies).  

To this end, we have a President and an Organizing Committee from the University of Valencia that has been working hard since 2021 to achieve a good Congress. The Rector of this university, a psychologist to be precise, has shown her desire to collaborate to the maximum in this endeavor. It seems, therefore, that we are in very good hands, given the management and intellectual competence of those who are at the head of this special academic event.

The very slogan of the Congress - Psychological well-being and digitalization: the great challenge for Psychology today - makes it clear what the central theme of the Congress will be. In complex and difficult times, such as the present, well-being must be a priority issue for citizens. There is no doubt that digitalization produces, as it could not be otherwise, pernicious and healthy effects. We will try to mitigate or even avoid the former, while at the same time doing everything possible to promote the latter, in the knowledge that this is precisely the great challenge of our times. To this end, as is already a habit at ACIPE, we have made a careful selection of renowned researchers, teachers and professionals from all over Spain, Europe, the United States and those countries twinned by language, without excluding anyone whose contributions - those of their qualified researchers - may be of benefit - wellbeing - to the people and societies of our world.

Our congresses are designed and structured as an academic and professional service for all those individuals interested in Psychology and Education, whether they are still undergraduate or postgraduate students, or are already practising professionals, or are fully dedicated to teaching or research. In a society characterised and defined as a learning society, psychoeducational developments are clearly indispensable. But they cannot be confined to the classroom. They must be shared and transferred, in a full democracy, to the citizens. We will surely also have time to make friends with colleagues and enjoy the charm and attractiveness of Valencia. It is well worth it. You will see.

We look forward to seeing you. You are welcome. We must not forget that the Congress is first and foremost you. See you soon. We will see you again.

Juan Fernández

President of ACIPE