Indigenous Psychologies of Spirituality: Remembering, Excavating, and Individuating

Abstract

The domination of the Western paradigm for psychology of religion research has muted and perhaps distorted the voice of indigenous spiritualities. The chapter begins with a brief history that remembers the critical players who contributed to the emergence of indigenous psychologies of religion and spirituality. Indigenous researchers have wondered what kind of psychology is implicit in ancient religions long before modern psychology emerged on the scene. In a following section, the author will report on a study that excavates the impact of cultural niches on cognition and emotions and the influence on religious expression and sources of help. The final section will examine how indigenous communities individuate and adapt to their host culture in terms of individualism, collectivism, and neocolonialism.