Indigenous psychology

Indigenous psychology is the study of human development within an individual’s or group’s culture. Researchers begin studying the phenomena by thoroughly understanding the culture and sociocultural context. It may consist of indigenization from within, meaning analysis and study by a researcher who is a member of the group, or indigenization from without, which refers to work by someone not of the culture who tries to understand it and analyzes aspects in context.

While the term may seem to suggest the field involves the study of little-known or unusual cultures or a form of cultural anthropology, indigenous psychology is psychology that is rooted in any culture. This includes people living in developed and developing countries as well as in urban and rural settings. Cultures are not viewed as being superior or inferior to one another. Indigenous psychology does not use a comparison of cultures as a means of understanding behaviors, though the study may lead to an understanding of universal truths in human behavior and the development and classification of some behaviors or beliefs as cultural versus natural.

The concept of indigenous psychology developed in the early 1970s. It gained steam in the 1980s and 1990s and continued to expand into the early twenty-first century. Many scholars have noted that the psychology’s conclusions about human behavior and development are mostly based on data from studies using Western, European, industrialized, rich, and democratic (WEIRD) samples. Such individuals make up only about 12 percent of the world’s population.

Background

Social sciences developed in Western cultures in the early nineteenth century. Researchers in these fields, including psychology and anthropology, frequently approached their topics in the belief that their cultures and societies were superior to others or were the standard against which others should be measured or judged. This led to many inaccuracies and generalizations, as well as oppression and colonization of peoples around the world.

Psychology was previously regarded as a philosophy but developed as a social science in Germany. In the late nineteenth century, German philosopher and physician Wilhelm Wundt applied the scientific method to the study of human behavior. He believed that it was possible to study sensory processes—how the mind registers stimuli—in a methodical fashion. However, he believed that experimental methods were of no use in understanding aspects of the mind that are influenced by culture and language. Wundt regarded the field of psychology as a cultural rather than a natural science. He studied how social experiences and culture affect human development. While late twentieth century and twenty-first century research primarily focuses on the natural science aspect of psychology, indigenous psychology is based in cultural science, Wundt’s field.

Experimental psychology follows three stages of study: description, explanation, and application. Description involves studying the subject and describing behaviors or actions; the researcher works to understand typical and atypical behaviors. In short, description answers the question, “What happened?” Explanation involves answering questions about the reasons that people are acting in certain ways, including how stimuli affect them. Explanation asks, “Why did the individual or group do this?” Application is an examination of how the study can be used or seen in real life or society. Researchers may apply information gained to problems or situations.

While the descriptive phase is usually of less importance in experimental psychology, in Wundt’s work and in indigenous psychology, detailed observation at the start is of primary importance. Researchers observe behavior in the subjects’ community.

Among the earliest modern advocates for culturally appropriate psychology was Filipino psychologist Virgilio Enrique. He developed sikolohiyang Pilipino, or Filipino psychology, and in doing so advanced the expansion of indigenous psychology in general. The Philippines was colonized by Spain and later the United States. Some scholars were displeased that academic institutions taught psychology that was based in Western culture. During the 1960s, scholars and researchers chafed at the views that outsiders imposed on indigenous culture, such as highly judgmental interpretations of Filipino styles of communication that labeled a cultural concern for others’ feelings as dishonesty.

Enriquez was educated in the Philippines and the United States, earning a master’s and a doctorate degree in social psychology at Northwestern University. During his time in the United States, the Philippines was experiencing a cultural shift and an eagerness to reclaim the native language by teaching courses at the University of the Philippines (UP) in Filipino. When he returned to his homeland in 1971, he researched Philippine psychology at the UP. Although he brought with him knowledge from his postgraduate studies, he chose to reinterpret his Western education. Many of his students were inspired to write their research papers in Tagalog and other native languages to more accurately convey concepts that were not easily translated. His work led to developments such as a Filipino personality test created by Filipino researchers.

His initial work involved simply translating tests into the local language and adjusting them to be relevant to local people, but the results were often not satisfactory. Enriquez then turned to the indigenization from within approach, developing a Filipino psychology from the perspective of a Filipino. He later called this work cultural revalidation.

Enriquez’s work changed many researchers’ approaches to psychology. As the 1970s and 1980s progressed, social scientists of other countries and cultures stated their opposition to Western approaches to psychology and developed culturally appropriate models.

Overview

Prevailing opinions and methods are often determined by those in power. Outsiders, in particular Europeans, have often imposed their viewpoints, beliefs, and traditions on conquered peoples. Since the late 1960s, many researchers have questioned this historical imposition and interpretation, its impact on research, and its effect on understanding human behavior. Scholars also recognized that failure to consider indigenous beliefs has led to gaps in research due to the Eurocentric approach of many early pioneers in the social sciences.

The development of indigenous psychology is of significance in many cultures and countries. People in the Americas, aboriginal peoples of Australia and New Zealand, and scholars of these and many other peoples have worked to counteract the effects of colonialism. In addition to indigenous psychology, interest in exploring context in psychology has manifested in various emerging fields, including cross-cultural, cultural, multicultural, minority, and racial or class psychologies and psychological anthropology.

Advocates of indigenous psychology note the long history of studying other cultures through the lens of Western thought. The assumption of one perspective being correct or natural has led to deep misunderstandings and oppression of Indigenous peoples. The application of insights gained through developing an indigenous psychology may be useful in counteracting the negative effects of colonialization and other forms of oppression. Indigenous psychology may encompass spiritual and other cultural beliefs that may be useful in the treatment of individuals. For example, in 2017, the Australian Psychology Society issued an apology to the Indigenous peoples of New Zealand, the Māori, for using assessments and treatments that were not culturally sensitive. Within the culture, family is vital. Treatments that isolate an individual, such as one-on-one counseling, may be ineffective or harmful because they cause distress. Mahi a Atua is an approach to wellness developed within the culture and based on the traditions of the people. It is based on the Māori creation and custom narratives and involves the recitation of these stories by the family, individual, and the wellness team, which may include psychiatric workers, social workers, and artists, as part of the effort to understand the distress of an individual. The team and family are meant to provide security for the individual and help the person be open to sharing and learning about their situation. For example, a narrative relates the story of a man who becomes depressed when his younger brother bullies and challenges him. Relating such a narrative may help individuals dealing with depression relate to the situation of the older brother and help give meaning to the treatment process. Beyond providing context, the narratives also indicate responses such as love and nurturing of the individual and forgiveness.

While many scholars and researchers continue to develop theories of indigenous psychology, others maintain that the field has yet to live up to the promise suggested by early proponents. A primary criticism is that indigenous psychology could help develop universal truths about human behavior and thought. Theoretically, by developing indigenous psychology relating to vast numbers of cultures, researchers could eventually analyze the information gained and discern this universal or global psychology. Critics have noted that interest in developing indigenous psychology has waned in the twenty-first century, and a vast collection of localized psychologies has yet to emerge. Further, to compare indigenous psychologies, methods would have to be compatible, but this is not the case as individuals have pursued efforts independently.

Still, the benefits and possibilities of the continued study of indigenous psychology remained apparent to many in the research community. For example, the ability to customize mental health treatment within an appropriate cultural framework was an essential contribution of indigenous psychology. Additionally, the field proved beneficial in creating more culturally appropriate education and training programs for various other fields. Indigenous psychology addressed the historical trauma felt by many cultural groups, provided important implications for policy decisions, and promoted advocacy within distinct cultural communities. 

Bibliography

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Shams, Manfusa. “What is Indigenous Psychology?.” The Open University, 23 Sept. 2021, www.open.edu/openlearn/education-development/race-and-ethnicity-hub/what-indigenous-psychology. Accessed 26 May 2024.

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