This past Friday morning, Dr. Carolina Luz de la Torre Molina—one of Cuba's most influential psychologists—passed away at the age of 79. The Cuban Society of Psychology announced her passing via social media, praising her contributions as a "profound imprint on psychological science, culture, and Cuban society."
Born in Matanzas in 1947, De la Torre hailed from a family with deep intellectual roots. She graduated from the University of Havana's Faculty of Psychology in 1971, later earning her Doctorate in Psychological Sciences from Moscow State University in 1982.
Beginning in 1983, she served as a Full Professor at the University of Havana for over forty years, where she taught subjects like History of Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Social Psychology, and Political Psychology. Her academic involvement extended beyond teaching; she was a part of academic committees and guided numerous undergraduate and postgraduate theses.
The Academic and Intellectual Journey
De la Torre was a former president of the Cuban Society of Psychology and, at the time of her passing, held the position of Honorary Member. She was acknowledged as "a high-level educator and researcher, an intellectual committed to her era, and a woman with critical thinking whose work always defended the social essence of Psychology."
Among her acclaimed books are "Latin American Psychology: Between Dependency and Identity"—awarded by the Cuban Academy of Sciences and reprinted in Puerto Rico and Argentina—and "Identities: A View from Psychology," which received the National Prize for Scientific Criticism and the Fernando Ortiz Foundation's Catauro Cubano Award.
A Voice of Critique and Reflection
The society emphasized that "her legacy transcends accolades: it lives on in the ideas she encouraged us to question, the inquiries she taught us to formulate, and the generations of students and professionals she inspired."
De la Torre was also a critical voice during politically tense times. In 2020, she criticized acts of repudiation against activists related to the San Isidro Movement, and in 2021, she spoke out against the lack of freedoms in Cuba. In March 2026, she supported her son, Abel Tablada, an architect and professor at CUJAE, after his teaching contract was not renewed due to his critical publications about the government.
Later, her reflections on Cuba's reality led to what appeared to be a public response from her daughter, Johana Tablada, a diplomat with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighting possible familial tensions reflecting the fractures the country's prolonged dictatorship has caused, even within families.
Tributes and Memories
The news sparked an outpouring of condolences on social media. Psychologist Annia Almeyda Vázquez remembered her as "a brave woman with independent thought, precise and sharp words when necessary. A woman unafraid to think for herself or speak her mind." Former student Juliette Isabel Fernández Estrada described De la Torre as "almost a miraculous example of how one could be a brilliant academic, earn a doctorate abroad, write books, raise four children, and be a divorced mother. Of how one could be intelligent, honest, brave, energetic, funny, and magnetic."
Her children expressed their grief in response to the institutional announcement. Abel Tablada wrote: "Thank you for this beautiful recognition, our pain and pride as her children are immense." Johana Tablada responded with brief yet heartfelt words: "Thank youuu ay my mommy."
In November 2025, De la Torre gave an extensive interview to OnCuba from Miami, declaring: "Nothing has given my life more meaning than my family; both my primary family, where I grew up, and, in a more mature and conscious way, the family I created."
Her legacy, as noted by fellow academic and Cuban psychologist María Margarita Alonso Alonso, remains: "You leave only intelligence, courage, and love in your grand journey through this world. Strength to your children and everyone who loved and respected you," she wrote, echoing the sentiments of hundreds who paid tribute to De la Torre on social media.
Frequently Asked Questions about Carolina de la Torre
Who was Carolina de la Torre?
Carolina de la Torre was a prominent Cuban psychologist known for her significant contributions to psychological science and education in Cuba. She was a professor, author, and former president of the Cuban Society of Psychology.
What were some of Carolina de la Torre's notable works?
Her notable works include the books "Latin American Psychology: Between Dependency and Identity" and "Identities: A View from Psychology," which received prestigious awards and were celebrated for their impact on the field.
How did Carolina de la Torre contribute to political discourse in Cuba?
Carolina de la Torre was known for her critical stance on political issues in Cuba, including her opposition to acts of repudiation against activists and her advocacy for greater freedoms and rights within the country.