Psychological torture - then and now

Hannah D. Nussmann will be giving a lecture at the Nordstadtgalerie on the subject of "Psychological torture - then and now". She is a research associate in the research project "Seelenarbeit im Sozialismus (SiSaP) - Psychologie unter politischem Diktat und Justiz".

The aim of the four-year project was to scientifically investigate the role and instrumentalization(s) of psychology, psychotherapy and psychiatry in the GDR. The use of psychological expertise in the service of repressive policies was collected, analyzed and evaluated in various contexts.

The Fachhochschule Dortmund focused on the following thematic research areas:

• Psychology in teaching at universities and technical colleges in the GDR: an overview of teaching content and bibliographies, taking into account their Russian and Soviet origins and links to neighboring disciplines such as criminology
• Psychology in the GDR as a professional triad and field of interest for state agencies
• Utilization of psychological approaches and concepts by the "Ministry for State Security": the so-called 'Operative Psychology' and its psychodynamic consequences

The lecture by Hannah D. Nussbaum's lecture is part of an exhibition by the Federal Foundation for the Reappraisal of the SED Dictatorship "From the Peaceful Revolution to German Unity", which can be seen in the Nordstadtgalerie from January 10 to 30, 2023. It offers insights into the processes that led to protest and opposition and ultimately to change, including by the population.