Some Developments in Sikolohiyang Pilipino

Indigenous Psychology, Ethnopsychology, Cross-Cultural Psychology and Cultural Psychology: Distinction Implications For Sikolohiyang Pilipino

Madelene A. Sta. Maria
De La Salle University, Philippines

ABSTRACT

An examination was undertaken of various approaches that seek to integrate the cultural in the understanding of psychological events. The examination focused on the basic research designs by these approaches, as well as their assumptions regarding psychological functioning. This was undertaken to assess the disciplinal status of Sikolohiyang Pilipino which is said to involve the study of psychological experiences using the Filipino culture and language(s) as bases. It was found that Sikolohiyang Pilipino best corresponds with the approaches of Indigenous Psychology and Ethnopsychology, and shares with these approaches specific weaknesses. Like investigations in Ethnopsychology and Indigenous Psychology, Sikolohiyang Pilipino studies may fail to include context in the investigation and analysis of psychological experiences. The suggestion is made that Indigenous Psychology, Ethnopsychology, and Cultural Psychology, like Cross-Cultural Psychology, be considered as differing methodologies that may be adopted by researchers in Sikolohiyang Pilipino.

Published in Asia-Pacific Social Science Review, 1(1), Februqry 2000, 23-43. College of Liberal Arts, De La Salle University.