Dr. Alan Roland, a renowned psychoanalyst who revolutionized the field by challenging Western biases and acknowledging the impact of culture and upbringing on patients, passed away on July 22 at his residence in Monterey, Massachusetts. He was 93 years old. The cause of his death was congestive heart failure, according to his wife, Joan Roland.
Dr. Roland gained recognition for his groundbreaking book, “In Search of Self in India and Japan: Toward a Cross-Cultural Psychology,” published in 1988. In this influential work, he presented his innovative ideas, which were informed by his experiences with patients from different cultural backgrounds.
A pivotal moment in the development of Dr. Roland’s ideas occurred in 1971, when he was teaching at the New School in New York. A man from India sought him out for therapy, and during their sessions, Dr. Roland immediately noticed distinct differences in the patient’s mindset compared to his American clients. The man’s upbringing and familial relationships clashed with Western norms.
Driven by a quest for knowledge and understanding, Dr. Roland spent considerable time living in India and Japan, immersing himself in the traditions and sensibilities of these countries. Through his experiences, he discovered stark contrasts in communication styles, family dynamics, and societies’ emphasis on individualism. Dr. Roland believed that these cultural principles fundamentally shaped the psychological makeup of individuals, setting him apart from many other psychoanalysts who prioritized psychic reality and overlooked cultural influences.
In a 1977 interview with The Berkshire Sampler of Massachusetts, Dr. Roland criticized American psychologists for adhering rigidly to Freudian principles and a medical approach. He argued that they struggled to appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of psychoanalysis and its connections to philosophy, literature, linguistics, and anthropology.
Dr. M Nasir Ilahi, a New York psychoanalyst who first encountered Dr. Roland in the 1970s, expressed the profound impact that Dr. Roland’s teachings had on him. Ilahi praised Dr. Roland for providing insights into the psychological differences between individuals from North American and South Asian cultures.
Sandra Shapiro, a psychoanalyst and former professor, shared her perspective on meeting Dr. Roland in person shortly before his passing. Shapiro commended his humility and willingness to learn from his patients, particularly those from culturally identified Indian and Japanese backgrounds. She recalled his openness and curiosity, which countered any trace of arrogance.
Born Jacob Alan Roland on June 20, 1930, in Brooklyn, Dr. Roland grew up in a creative household. His father, Jay, an artist, changed the family’s original surname from Goldstein. His mother, Lillian (Suttenberg) Roland, devoted her time to homemaking.
Dr. Roland completed his education at the prestigious Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Antioch College in Ohio in 1955 and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Adelphi University on Long Island in 1960.
In 1962, Dr. Roland married Joan Gardner, who was pursuing a doctorate at Columbia University. They took a six-week trip to India in 1964, which ignited their desire to return. Thirteen years later, they fulfilled their vow and embarked on an extended research journey that culminated in Dr. Roland’s influential 1988 book. Throughout his life, Dr. Roland maintained a clinical practice while exploring diverse interests. He authored several books, including “Cultural Pluralism and Psychoanalysis: The Asian and North American Experience” (1996) and “Journeys to Foreign Selves: Asians and Asian Americans in a Global Era” (2011). Additionally, he immersed himself in Eastern spiritual practices, which complemented his New York City Jewish background.
Dr. Roland is survived by his wife, Joan, his son, Ariel, his daughter, Tika Snyder, and three grandchildren. Apart from his contributions to the field of psychoanalysis, Dr. Roland also extended his talents to playwriting and artistic endeavors. His watercolors and etchings were showcased in numerous group exhibitions and solo shows. He saw a connection between his artistic pursuits and his clinical practice, recognizing the audacity required to construct a coherent narrative from fragmented pieces, a skill he developed both as an artist and a psychoanalyst.
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