1.0 Assumptions Associated with Western Psychology that Limit its Applicability to African American culture
Western Psychology is based on assumptions that often limit the African American culture. There have been identified serious shortcomings by researchers in the applicability of Western Psychology to the effective treatment African Americans. African American cultures differ in many areas with Western Psychology, but they also share similar features. Hence, comparing and contrasting these features provides an important basis for this study and clinicians. Nonetheless, the Africa American culture and Psychology offers methodology that is underutilized, and which if used could improve the competence of all clinicians culturally. Despite the use of race by social scientists to understand human social conditions, the psychological dispositions of African Americans have been understudied. Essentially, a new perspective has to be employed in order to understand and treat African Americans (Hall, 2005).
1.10A comparison and contrast of Western Psychology with African American Culture
Theories and research shaping the mainstream psychology are under intense criticisms from various angles. The focus of this criticism is on the ethnocentric nature of psychology (Hook, Kiguwa, Mkhize, 2004, p. 544). Hook et al notes that the developmental psychology is written by researchers who hail from Western societies, with research conducted from and on western populations. The research is Anglo-US typically with the bulk from North America, on white studies (p. 549). Moreover, there has increased concern among African Americans of the influence of this ethnocentric based Psychology in their minds. Mkhize argues that the Western theories are monocultural and they not only marginalize and ignore African Americans, but they also limit evolution of developmental norms universally. Mkhize further disputes that for a richer and more powerful all encompassing psychology there has to be made research into African American processes.
According to Colophon, there are diverse areas of assumptions in western psychology. These encompass assumptions in the nature of the Universe, human nature, function of the universe, relationship between body and mind, emotions, motivation, learning, memory, perception, cognitive processes, nature of human consciousness, altered states of consciousness, death, and assumptions on personality, social relationships, science and civilization (Colophon, 1975). However, they are based on studies and research done in western European theory and although some studies may bear similarities with African American culture, most do not.
1.11Cultural Values of African Americans
African American culture has a rich tradition, roots and heritage. Some of the norms are derived from African philosophy while others date back to slavery. The values include strong kinship bonds, strong religious orientation, the use of informal networks for support such as the church or community, adaptable family roles, a strong sense of pride, respect for the elderly, and a general distrust of the government and social services (Holloway, 2005, p. 233).
1.12Assumptions of Western Culture That Limit African American Culture
Theories and principles of Western psychology are limited in its study of beliefs, attitude, thought, feelings and ways of interaction among African Americans. Instead, its focus is on Western attitudes and beliefs (Belgrade Allison, 2006, p. 7).
Additionally, Western Psychology emphasizes studies on observable behaviors. Despite Freud’s emphasis on the unconscious, the focus is still reliant on the observable characteristics, prediction and behavior control (p. 8). However, African culture and psychology reinforce intuition and knowledge in addition to the observable.
