Around 1948, the study of Psychology begins to flourish in Leiden. Somewhere around the same time, the Kring der Psychologen (Circle of Psychologists) was founded by a group psychology students who, in addition to studying, wanted to experience more with fellow students. This involves both sociability and more depth, as the students begin to critically engage with the content of their studies and its organization. In the early years, this form had a solid structure. But from the 1970s on, this all became more loose; there is no longer a board and little is organized, although the students continue to debate fiercely. Around 1980, the Circle discusses politics as a point of discussion in addition to psychology as a study. It calls itself a “political union” that stands up for student interests. This takes place not only within the university, but the Kring also takes action nationwide, campaigning against budget cuts and other political decisions detrimental to students. In addition to these actions, members of the Kring hope to pass on to other students the critical eye they acquire. They are therefore pushing for a new course within the program called “Psychology in Society” (PIM).
The political direction of the society is reason for some members to create a new society, Nexus. The Leiden psychology dispute was born on November 4, 1987. Nexus primarily aims to organize excursions, lectures, movie nights and get-togethers. In addition, it sells books and abstracts. With the continuation of the Kring and the blossoming of Nexus, competition between the two associations grows. The Kring has a notarized deed drawn up in 1992. This leads to working with a permanent board within the Kring and that this board is supported by various committees. From that time on, the Kring also engaged in the sale of extracts and books. So both associations provide the same kind of activities for the same target group: this leads to more competition.
This competition continues until February of the year 1994. After several failed attempts, in this year the hatchet is buried and the two associations merge into one, by the name of Labyrint which we know well. This is notarized on April 24 in a change of status for De Kring, which from then on is called “Study Association Labyrint. To this day Labyrint has more or less the same structure and goals as its ancestors; there is a yearly changing board, there are many committees, sale of books and abstracts, and all this for the support and education of the psychology students in Leiden. Some committees, meanwhile, have existed as long as the association (Labyrint) has existed (for example, the Studytrip Committee) and some committees are formed over the years.
Starting in 1994, several group associations were formed: SOAP, S.O.U.L., Homunculus and Daidalos. These associations focus on social and organizational psychology, educational and developmental psychology, cognitive and clinical psychology. These associations provide activities for the students pursuing the respective masters. When Leiden University decides to move to the Bachelor-Master education system, the various psychology associations sat down with each other (Homunculus no longer exists at the time of the merger discussions). They decide, again after consulting several times, to continue as one association, partly motivated by the small membership numbers that some associations are struggling with. In the year 2003-2004 everything is prepared to make this as good as possible. As of November 4, 2004, the associations joined forces to continue as one study association for psychology students in Leiden: Labyrinth! It is at once one of the larger study associations in Leiden.
The merger arises with SOAP's demand that their annual congress continue. Thus, a Congress Committee is formed. This new committee, along with the Psychology and Future Perspectives Congress Committee, cause the board to decide in 2004 to create a new position on the board: the Masters Commissioner. This replaces the Commissioner of PR and includes responsibility for all study-related committees, especially the congress committees. In 2007, one can conclude that these congresses are increasingly given a serious, informative role by both the department and the student. The congresses are increasingly taking on a more professional appearance and attracting several companies and institutions that see in psychologists potential employees. Partly because of this, another, new committee, the Acquisition Committee established in 2005, is also taking on an increasingly important role. In order for the association to function optimally, the board decides in 2007 to put together a candidate board of seven members. The seventh position, a Commissioner of External Relations, seems to consist of promotional and acquisition tasks for the time being. With this, the Commissariat PR seems to have risen again from its grave.
The year 2022 marks the 75th anniversary of study association Labyrint. When in 2006-2007 the association receives the official name “Study Association of Psychology Labyrint” through a change in the statutes, it also celebrates the 60th year of association. This is because it is counted from April 1948 and the board is supposed to change every academic year.
The functions within a Board have changed a lot over the years. The Executive Board (DB) containing of the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer remained constant, but the Commissioner positions have seen a lot of change. Labyrint remains committed to helping students with their studies, and with the Commissioner of Education this is always a good fit. This Commissioner is responsible for book sales, summaries and contact with the teachers of the program. In addition, Labyrint is also committed to the future of its members. The Commissioner of Careers ensures that job vacancies exist for members and is involved in the Psychology and Future Congress. Since 2023, the position of Commissioner Career has been expanded to include acquisition. Thus, the Commissioner is now also committed to collaborations with companies that can increase opportunities for our members, and the position now exists as Commissioner Career and External Relation. Previously, the Commissioner of External Relations was responsible for promotion duties within the association, but since 2019 these have been with the Commissioner of Internal Relations. In 2024, the new position of Commissioner of Communication was created. This role is responsible for contactswith the University and is committed to expanding the association's grant opportunities.