Indigenization of Psychology in India: Connecting Cultural Perspectives

Abstract

This systematic review aims to examine the indigenization of psychology in India by incorporating indigenous knowledge, cultural perspectives, and practices into psychological theory, research, and practice. A comprehensive search strategy was employed, utilizing databases such as Eric, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria focused on articles published between 2000 and 2023 that explored the indigenization of psychology in the Indian context. A total of 30 articles were selected for analysis. The findings of the systematic review revealed several key themes related to the indigenization of psychology in India. These themes included the integration of indigenous knowledge systems, culturally relevant research methodologies, addressing mental health challenges, collaboration with indigenous practitioners, and education and training initiatives. The review highlighted the significance of incorporating indigenous knowledge systems such as Vedanta, Yoga, Ayurveda, and Buddhism into psychological theories and practices. It emphasized the need for culturally relevant research methodologies to capture the nuances and cultural-specific aspects of the Indian population. The review also identified the importance of addressing mental health challenges through culturally appropriate interventions and collaborative partnerships with indigenous practitioners. This systematic review emphasized the necessity of education and training initiatives to incorporate cultural perspectives into psychology curricula. It discussed the implications of indigenization for the field of psychology in India and identified future directions for research and practice. This systematic review also provides a comprehensive overview of the indigenization of psychology in India, highlighting the integration of indigenous knowledge, cultural perspectives, and practices. The findings underscore the importance of embracing cultural diversity and developing a more inclusive and culturally relevant discipline of psychology in the Indian context.