International Psychology: An Introduction
The Role of Culture
International psychology is an emerging field of psychology that focuses on the exploration of cultures and their unique contributions to global discourse. Psychologist Harry Triandis defined culture as “unstated assumptions, standard operating procedures, and ways of doing things that have been internalized to such an extent that people do not argue about them” (2010, p. 70). Such undisputed social protocols reveal the strong influence of culture on our individual beliefs, emotions, and behaviors. Alternatively, culture can be viewed as the cumulative result of individual actions gradually shaping communities (Kim et al., 2006). Exploring this interactive relationship can not only offer insight into complex human behavior, but also encourage much-needed reforms of social structures and institutions (Berry et al., 2011).
All exploration of cross-cultural phenomena is grounded in the emic and etic perspectives. From the emic viewpoint, people groups possess unique values, traditions, and norms which cannot be generalized across communities. These are subjective, relativist ways of living that demarcate cultures. Conversely, the etic research approach seeks to discover universal principles of human functioning that can be used to identify common ground. Because all cultures possess emic and etic elements, international psychologists remain committed to understanding both realities.
Three Types of International Psychology
International psychology comprises three categories of cultural-comparative psychology, cultural psychology, and indigenous psychology. Cultural-comparative psychology explores universal constructs and theories that can be tested across people groups (Greenfield, 2000). Its etic framework fosters understanding of social issues impacting many communities such as crime, domestic violence, and substance use. Emphasizing commonalities that exist across groups and within pluralist societies can help to encourage vital intercultural collaboration.
In contrast, cultural psychologists embrace the emic viewpoint through immersive observation within communities. Local traditions and conventions are studied for insight into culture-bound ways of living. An example of this approach is the study of culturally distinct child-rearing practices. Thirdly, indigenous psychology studies the emic and etic elements of cultures in the majority world. Researchers reject Western ethnocentric assumptions about psychology and study issues impacting diverse societies (Lonner & Adamopoulos, 1997). Topics might include the influence of international corporate expansion on the livelihoods and well-being of indigenous peoples. Indigenous psychologists confer greater balance to the field of psychology as a whole.
Four Goals of International Psychology
A broader goal of international psychology is to contribute to development of cross-cultural insight and collaboration. By adopting the lens of social constructivism, international psychologists advocate for the co-creation of peaceful intercultural relationships. This includes advocating for the rights of marginalized people groups and advancing multiculturalist attitudes. A second goal of the field is to foster interprofessional collaboration through assembling diverse, innovative teams that address social concerns (Bridges et al, 2011). International psychologists can partner with healthcare workers, human rights advocates, sociologists, and other specialists in deepening collective understanding of barriers to holistic health. An emphasis on cultural context provides insight into both culture-specific needs and issues of global import.
Thirdly, international psychology serves as a resource for political decision-making. For example, studies on mental health challenges for refugees undergoing acculturation in host countries can help governments to establish culturally appropriate support services. Researchers may also partner with international organizations such as the United Nations on issues including international disaster relief and peacekeeping operations (Wessells & Dawes, 2007). Finally, international psychology seeks to counteract the influence of mainstream Western psychology through greater representation of global perspectives. Because psychology as a formal discipline originated in Western Europe, there is an ever-present risk of exporting Western assumptions about human and societal functioning to other world regions (Sinha, 1997). Indigenous psychologists challenge the imposition of psychologies from industrialized nations onto developing countries, and deconstruct indigenization practices that are culturally inappropriate.
Conclusion
As a conduit for cross-cultural insight, international psychology promotes cultural harmony and advances a global ethic for social change. Establishing commonalities among diverse people groups reduces risks of misunderstanding and enhances intercultural communication. Exploring the psychological processes and cultural contexts of underrepresented communities also furthers vital humanitarian efforts. This rapidly developing field offers exciting opportunities to foster multicultural attitudes and deepen our understanding of the human experience.
Sources
Berry, J.W., Poortinga, Y.H., Breugelmans, S.M., Chasiotis, A., & Sam, D.L. (2011) Cross‐cultural psychology: Research and applications (3rd ed.). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
Bridges, D., Davidson, R., Odegard, P., Maki, I., & Tomkowiak, J. (2011). Interprofessional collaboration: Three best practice models of interprofessional education. Medical Education Online, 16. https://doi.org10.3402/meo.v16i0.603
Greenfield, P. (2000). Three approaches to the psychology of culture: Where do they come from? Where can they go? Asian Journal of Social Psychology, 3, 223-240. https://greenfieldlab.psych.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/168/2019/01/30-greenfield2000.pdf
Kim, U., Yang, K., & Park, Y. (2006). Indigenous and cultural psychology. New York, NY: Springer Science and Business Media Inc.
Lonner, W.J., & Adamopoulos, J. (1997). Culture As Antecedent to Behavior. In Berry, J.W., Poortinga, Y.H., Pandey, J. (Eds.) Handbook of cross-cultural psychology: Theory and method. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
Sinha, D. (1997). Indigenizing psychology. In Berry, J.W., Poortings, Y.H., & Pandey, J. (Eds.) Handbook of cross-cultural psychology: Theory and method. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
Triandis, H.C. (2010). Culture and psychology: A history of the study of their relationship. In Kitayama, S., & Cohen, D. (Eds.) Handbook of cultural psychology, 59-76. New York, NY: The Guilford Press.
Wessells, M.G., & Dawes, A. (2007). Macro-social interventions: Psychology, social policy, and societal influence processes. In Stevens, M.J., & Gielen, U.P. (Eds.) Toward a global psychology: Theory, research, intervention, and pedagogy, 267-298. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.
