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# EARLY PHILIPPINE PSYCHOLOGY The psychological knowledge of the native Filipino, traditionally held by babaylan in the Visayas, catalonan in Central Luzon, and baglan in Northern Philippines, served as a crucial foundation for early Filipino psychology. The babaylan, a priestess, was the initial...

# EARLY PHILIPPINE PSYCHOLOGY The psychological knowledge of the native Filipino, traditionally held by babaylan in the Visayas, catalonan in Central Luzon, and baglan in Northern Philippines, served as a crucial foundation for early Filipino psychology. The babaylan, a priestess, was the initial Filipino psychologist, safeguarding sacred knowledge. Early practices, such as prayer and whisperings, used by healers and priestesses across various ethnic groups, are significant sources of early Filipino psychology. The use of anting-anting (amulets) and beliefs associated with resistance movements like the Palajanes, are rooted in early Filipino beliefs. Early Philippine psychology is deeply intertwined with oral and written literature—including proverbs (salawikain), riddles (bugtong), folktales (kuwentong bayan), myths (alamat), and epics (epiko). These forms reflect fundamental aspects of Filipino psychology. The inherited customs and traditions of Filipinos are crucial bases of their psychology, closely related to ethnopsychology. Knowledge and beliefs concerning childcare (Abasolo-Domingo 1961, Quisumbing 1964, Aldaba-Lim 1966, Temporal 1968, Almendral 1969, Adea 1974, Lagmay 1974, Alonto 1975) and interpersonal relationships are essential. These customs are transmitted through generations and cannot be fully understood in foreign settings. Filipino psychology emphasizes the interconnectedness of the Filipino person with their material and spiritual world, highlighting the importance of their consciousness. This perspective, labeled *sikolohiyang Pilipino*, encourages social scientists to delve into traditional Filipino beliefs. Zeuz Salazar (1974) identified four distinct lines of Philippine psychology history: academic-scientific, academic-philosophical, ethnic (indigenous), and psycho-medical. Academic-scientific psychology traces its roots to Wilhelm Wundt and its introduction through the University of San Carlos (1954) and the University of the Philippines (1920). Academic-philosophical psychology finds its beginnings in the establishment of the University of Sto. Tomas in the 17th century. Ethnic psychology, also known as *katutubong sikolohiya*, is the indigenous system of psychology, influenced by Filipino culture and experience. It seeks to understand the perspective from within and addresses misconceptions. Psycho-medical psychology is intrinsically connected to Filipino religion and its healing practices, including the espiritista movement and herbolaryo techniques. A distinct line of influence relates to the development of livelihood, agricultural, business, management, and industrial psychology, known as *sikolohiyang pangkabuhayan*.