Jan Haaken

Jan on Walk Wall

Jan Haaken is an American psychologist, filmmaker, and professor emeritus at Portland State University. Her work spans various subjects, including feminism, mental health, social justice, and environmental issues. Haaken has made significant contributions to both academic and public discussions through her research, teaching, and documentary filmmaking.

Early Life and Education

Jan Haaken grew up in a context that shaped her later interests in social issues and activism. However, specific details about her early life remain less documented. She pursued higher education in psychology, recognizing early on the potential for this field to contribute to understanding social dynamics and promoting change.

After completing her undergraduate studies, Haaken earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Her academic work has consistently focused on the intersection of psychology with social and political issues, a theme that has defined her career.

Academic Career

At Portland State University, Jan Haaken has had a distinguished career as a professor in the psychology department. Her teaching and research have covered a wide range of topics, including the psychology of women, trauma, and the therapeutic culture. Haaken has been a vocal critic of mainstream psychology's tendency to pathologize individual experiences without adequately considering the social and political contexts that shape those experiences.

Throughout her academic career, Haaken has published extensively. Her scholarly work includes articles and books that explore the narratives of trauma, the role of emotions in social movements, and the intersections of psychology and feminism.

Filmmaking

Jan Haaken has also made a name for herself as a documentary filmmaker. Her films often tackle complex social issues, such as the challenges faced by dairy farm workers, the experiences of women in conflict zones, and the narratives surrounding mental health. Haaken's approach to filmmaking is deeply informed by her background in psychology and her commitment to social justice. Through her documentaries, she seeks to give voice to marginalized communities and to illuminate the psychological dimensions of social and political conflicts.

Selected Filmography

• Milk Men: The Life and Times of Dairy Farmers – A documentary exploring the lives of dairy farm workers.
• Mind Zone: Therapists Behind the Front Lines – A film that looks at the role of mental health professionals in war zones.
• Queens of Heart: Community Therapists in Drag – A documentary focusing on the therapeutic role of drag performers.

Activism and Public Engagement

Beyond her academic and filmmaking endeavors, Jan Haaken has been actively involved in various social movements. She has participated in initiatives aimed at addressing gender inequality, supporting environmental causes, and advocating for mental health reform. Haaken's work exemplifies her belief in the power of psychology to not only understand the world but to change it.

Legacy and Impact

Jan Haaken's contributions to psychology, filmmaking, and activism have had a lasting impact. Her interdisciplinary approach has inspired students, scholars, and activists to think critically about the role of psychology in society and to engage in work that bridges academic inquiry with social change.

See Also

• Feminist psychology
• Documentary filmmaking
• Social justice in mental health