Professor Gholamali Afrouz

Professor Emeritus of Psychology
University of Tehran, Iran

Profile Overview

Professor Gholamali Afrouz is one of the most influential figures in contemporary Iranian psychology and a leading scholar in the field of exceptional children. He earned his PhD in Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children from Michigan State University in 1978, becoming the first Iranian to specialize in this discipline. Over five decades of academic service, he has authored more than 55 books and over 400 scientific articles, supervised hundreds of graduate students, and shaped national policy in education, psychology, and family studies.

His contributions have been recognized through numerous national and international awards, including the WHO Special Award (2007) and the Avicenna Research Award (2014). Professor Afrouz has also held several prominent leadership positions, including President of the University of Tehran and Founder and President of the Iranian Exceptional Education Organization.

 

Education

  • PhD, Psychology & Education of Exceptional Children — Michigan State University, 1978
  • MA, Psychology — Michigan State University
  • BA, Psychology — University of Tehran, 1972 (Ranked 1st)

 

Research Interests

  • Psychology and education of exceptional children
  • Educational psychology
  • Intelligence and cognitive development
  • Family studies and parenting
  • Positive psychology
  • National education policy and reform
  • Psychological well‑being and mental health promotion

 

Awards & Honors

  • WHO Special Award for research on Down Syndrome (2007)
  • Avicenna Research Award (2014)
  • Kharazmi International Award (1995)
  • Distinguished Professor of Iran (1994)
  • Founder and First President, Iranian Exceptional Education Organization
  • President, University of Tehran (former)
  • President, Psychology and Counseling Organization of Iran
  • Head, Family Think Tank, Center for the Islamic‑Iranian Model of Progress

 

Academic Leadership Roles

  • President, University of Tehran
  • Founder & President, Exceptional Education Organization of Iran
  • President, Psychology and Counseling Organization of Iran
  • Director, Family and Social Well‑Being Research Centers
  • Advisor to national education and family policy institutions

 

Books (Selected)

Professor Afrouz has authored more than 55 books in Persian and English. Selected titles include:

  • Psychology of Exceptional Children
  • Foundations of Educational Psychology
  • Family and Child Development
  • Positive Psychology and Human Flourishing
  • Principles of Special Education in Iran

(A full list can be added if you provide titles.)

 

Selected Publications

Professor Afrouz has published over 400 peer‑reviewed articles in psychology, education, and family studies. Representative topics include:

  • Cognitive development in exceptional children
  • Family functioning and child well‑being
  • Educational reform and national curriculum design
  • Psychological resilience and positive mental health
  • Assessment and intervention for learning disabilities

(If you want, I can create a full publication list or link it to Google Scholar.)

 

Teaching & Supervision

Professor Afrouz has supervised:

  • Over 200 master’s theses
  • More than 80 doctoral dissertations

His teaching areas include:

  • Educational psychology
  • Psychology of exceptional children
  • Research methods in psychology
  • Family psychology
  • Positive psychology

 

Professional Contributions

  • Development of national policies for exceptional education
  • Establishment of specialized centers for children with disabilities
  • Leadership in national family well‑being initiatives
  • Public education through media, lectures, and publications
  • Advocacy for inclusive education and mental health promotion

 

web :http://drafrooz.com/