The Psychopark is one of the first psychology-themed parks in the country. Here is truly a world of entertainment and knowledge. For families, school and college students, the park is a collection of information presented in a most organized and attractive manner, and for academics, this place is an ideal center for conducting research in psychology. The park houses a collection of wisdom on various aspects of psychology depicted through models, statues, portraits, artifacts, photographs, instruments and many other installations.
The painting The extraction of the stone of madness’ is beautifully engraved. A trephination procedure using a T-shaped instrument is illustrated in the figure. The next part of the room depicts ancient Indian, especially Hindu methods of dealing with mental illness. The Atharva Veda contains hymns and slokas that speak of remedies for mental ailments. The curators explained the difference between faith and blind faith and how the benefits of the placebo effect can be seen in everyday contexts.
The next sculpture was a totem consisting of a bird, an animal and a man. The totem was a representation of Nangeli's story and the Malayalam poem Poothapat. This poem is a moving piece of literature that talks about the beliefs of the people of Kerala and how traditions have been passed down from generation to generation.
The next sculpture was a folk tale by Naranath Branthan.The story depicts insecurities and how people deal with their insecurities. This folklore relates to Maslow's theory of needs. To reach the level of self-actualization, it is important to overcome petty and trivial insecurities and look at the bigger picture.
The next room was the 'Dopamine House’, dedicated to the motor functions of the neurotransmitter. The room contained information about disorders that follow high or low dopamine levels. There were over 25,000 dopamine representations and four major dopamine pathways. The importance of dopamine is described in detail.
Next is a hierarchy of needs model given by Maslow. Although this theory has been modified multiple times by different researchers, the park contains the original hierarchy proposed by Maslow himself.
The next piece of art was about the evolution of mankind. The curators explained the development of the human brain and the further evolution of the brain, specifically the capacity of the skull. A large model of a tree representing a family tree was constructed. Taught the scientific method of drawing a family tree.
The next part of the Psychopark consists of various tests and measurements. Instruments for tests such as constant stimulus contrast, mapping of retinal zones, color deficiency test, human maze learning, and depth perception are demonstrated. The evening session was on CBT and its presence in ancient Indian culture. Another painting is dedicated to dopamine's second major function, pleasure. Dopamine's role in ADHD, addictions and other disorders was depicted in the painting and explained by the curators.
Next was a brain museum. Students had the opportunity to look at different parts of the human brain and learn about its functions. Various other objects that have contributed to the development of psychology globally are displayed in the museum.
After visiting the museum, students have the opportunity to have a question and answer session with a psychologist. Many interesting questions are raised and all questions are answered by the psychologist patiently and enthusiastically. Finally, the students will be taken to a theater where they will watch clips of different movies that talk about various mental disorders and have a short discussion about the importance of mental health and psychology.
Visiting Hours: 10 am to 7 pm, Operational on all days expect Monday.
Entry Fee: Free Entry, Paid & Non Paid Services available.
Location: Karunasai Psycho Park, Vellanadu - Nedumangad Road, Vellanad, Trivandrum - 695543
Email: psychoparkworld1st@gmail.com
How to Reach
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 24 km
Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram Central, about 22 km
very helpful article
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