African Psychology: Definitions and Orientations

What are the four psychologies characterized as in relation to established subdisciplines of psychology?

In which way do Africa(n)-centred psychologists define their orientation?

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the four psychologies described?

Why are some subdisciplines more likely to feature debates on African psychology?

What is a common misconception about the four orientations of African psychologies?

What does Nwoye suggest regarding the delineation of African psychology?

According to the definition provided by Nwoye, African psychology refers to:

What is a primary distinction made between African psychology and other psychological fields?

What criticism does Nwoye have in relation to the historical work of Black scholars in the U.S.?

What lacuna does Nwoye identify regarding the definition of African psychology?

African Psychology: Definitions and Orientations

African psychology emerged as a distinct field in the US, developed by African American psychologists
African psychology is defined as the systematic study of human mental life, culture, and experience in pre- and post-colonial Africa

There are four major orientations within African psychology:

Mainstream Psychology
- Focuses on universality, replicating findings and theories from around the world
- Can be criticized as colonialist and supportive of the status quo

Cultural African Psychology

  - Views African psychology as the study of individuals as points of intersection between metaphysical, spiritual, and cultural phenomena
  - Prioritizes African values, beliefs, worldviews, philosophies, and knowledge

Critical African Psychology

  - Aims to decolonize mainstream psychology and radicalize postcolonial African societies
  -  Critiques the ontological assumptions and value systems of Western psychology
  - Emphasizes the importance of colonialism in understanding contemporary Africa

Africa(n)-Centred Psychology

  - Focuses on the specific social, political, and economic realities of Africa
  -  Involves reformulating psychological theories and methods from the bottom up
  -  Seeks to develop a new approach and conduct studies informed by the unique context of Africa

The four orientations are not subdisciplines but rather perspectives within the broader field of African psychology.
They can be found within various subdisciplines, registration categories, and divisions of professional psychology associations.

Explore the distinct field of African psychology, focusing on its emergence and development by African American psychologists. This quiz delves into the four major orientations: Mainstream, Cultural, Critical, and Decolonial African psychology, and their implications for understanding human mental life within the African context.