Unit 3 Notes: Psychology in Other Parts of the World

Unit 3: Psychology in Other Parts of the World

Learning Outcomes
  • Distinguish between psychological perspectives from various geographical locations.
  • Understand how Western psychology gained dominance in the non-Western world.
  • Identify the periods in which different schools of thought were influential in psychology and their impact on African societies.
3.1 Introduction
  • Psychology is an ancient practice, predating its formal naming and scientific methodology.
  • Psychological concepts existed across cultures before Western theories were formulated.
  • The Western definition frames psychology as the scientific study of the mind and behavior, originating from philosophical roots dating back centuries.
  • Early contributors to psychology include physicians, philosophers, and poets, indicating that psychological knowledge was collective and diverse.
3.2 Psychological Perspectives from Various Geographical Locations
  • Buddha (India): Explored the interplay of sensations and perceptions forming ideas.
  • Confucius (China): Valued education and human development, emphasizing interpersonal relationships.
  • Early psychology experiments, such as Lin Xie’s distraction test in the 6th century AD, are foundational to experimental psychology.
  • Ancient Egypt: The Edwin Smith Papyrus documented treatments for injuries scientifically, indicating rational medical approaches.
  • Animism and anthropomorphism prevalent in early human beliefs reflect their understanding of nature.
3.3 The Dominance of Western Psychology

-Orientalism: Understanding Eastern psychology through a colonial lens overlooks indigenous knowledge.

  • Indigenous psychology emerged from dissatisfaction with Western models, emphasizing local cultures and values in psychological interpretation.
  • African and Asian perspectives on psychology stress that psychological paradigms cannot be universally applied.
3.3.1 Asian Psychology
  • Filipino Culture: Recognizes kapwa, a core value highlighting interconnectedness between self and others.
  • Confucian Heritage: Emphasizes collectivism, where relationships define human existence.
  • Indian Psychology: Rooted in ancient texts and spirituality, focusing on self-knowledge and enlightenment principles.
3.4 Different Schools of Thought and Their Impact on African Societies
Structuralism
  • Founded by Wilhelm Wundt in 1879, emphasizing consciousness analysis.
Functionalism
  • Developed by William James; focused on the purpose of mental processes to adapt behavior.
Behaviourism
  • Initiated by John B. Watson, concentrating on observable behaviors rather than mental processes.
  • B.F. Skinner expanded behaviorism with operant conditioning.
Gestalt Psychology
  • Focused on holistic perception; emphasizes how individual elements come together in human perception.
Humanistic Psychology
  • Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow emphasized human potential and the importance of personal choice and responsibility.
Psychoanalysis
  • Founded by Sigmund Freud, emphasizing unconscious processes influencing behavior. Introduced the concepts of the id, ego, and superego, and defense mechanisms.
3.5 Summary
  • The unit reviewed the historical and cultural evolution of psychology, highlighting the diverse perspectives and schools of thought shaping its current state.
3.6 Glossary
  • Animism: Belief that all things are living.
  • Behaviourism: Focus on observable behaviors over internal mental processes.
  • Cognition: Mental processes during behavior.
  • Humanism: Philosophy emphasizing personal fulfillment and societal contribution.
  • Psychoanalysis: Theory that early childhood experiences shape adult behavior through unconscious processes.
3.7 References
  • References include various authors and works discussing the history and development of psychology across cultures.