Discussion: Characteristics of Indigenous Psychology

Indigenous psychology is an emerging field of psychology that relies on a local understanding of human behavior to develop theories, conduct research, and address challenges. Indigenous psychology evolved in response to the use of Western psychology in countries where it did not seem to fit. The main purpose of indigenous psychology is to practice psychology in a way that is appropriate for the social, political, historical, and cultural contexts in the area it serves.

Your course text highlights the limitations of general psychology, a term the authors frequently use interchangeably with Western psychology and mainstream psychology. In the article "Origins and Development of Indigenous Psychologies: An International Analysis," 15 contributing authors describe the characteristics of indigenous psychology in different regions. They also detail the limitations of Western psychology when applied to non-Western countries.

To prepare for this Discussion:

• Review Chapter 5 in your course text, paying particular attention to the sections on "Limitations of General Psychology" and "Indigenous Psychologies."

• Review the article "Origins and Development of Indigenous Psychologies: An International Analysis." Consider the similarities and differences in what authors from different parts of the world have to say.

• Think about the limitations of Western psychology in non-Western countries.

• Reflect on the characteristics of indigenous psychology.

• Think about how indigenous psychology responds to the limitations of Western psychology.

• Select two limitations of Western psychology in non-Western cultures.

• Then, select two characteristics of indigenous psychology that could be used in response to the limitation you selected.

Required Readings: Please read and view (where applicable) the following Learning Resources before you complete this week's assignments.

Course Text: Stevens, M. J., &Gielen, U. P. (2007). Toward a glob al psychology: Theory, research, intervention, and pedagogy. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

• Chapter 5, "Development of Indigenous Psychologies: Understanding People in a Global Context"

Article: Allwood, C. M., & Berry, J. W. (2006). Origins and development of indigenous psychologies: An international analysis. International Journal of Psychology, 41(4), 243-268.

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

This seminal article examines the development of indigenous psychology in different parts of the world.

Article: Kim, U., & Park, Y. (2006). Indigenous psychological analysis of academic achievement in Korea: The influence of self-efficacy, parents, and culture. International Journal of Psychology, 41(4), 287-292.

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

This article explains how indigenous psychology has contributed to academic achievement in Korea.