UNIT 2 – African Psychology
African Psychology
The systematic and informed study of the complexities of human mental life , culture and experiences in
the pre and post colonial African world.
The meaning of African Psychology
African Psychology can be divided into 2
1. The old psychological learning and practices in indigenous society
2. The modern psychological learning and practices in the present day with the western approach
African psychology reflects the uniqueness and the complexities of African reality
According to Oppong
preoccupied with creating psychological knowledge that is situated in culture, history and material concerns
of contemporary ways of living in Africa
According to Obasi and Smith
Dynamic manifestation of the unifying African principles, values, and tradition, conscious centring of
psychological analysis and applications in African reality, culture, and epistemology. Explain that African
psychology has a social mission and , rejects the Western doctrine of materialism and embraces the
possibilities associated with a spirit-based ontological system.
According to Jamison
African psychology is a field of study interested in investigating and understanding the key psychological
costs of being African and Black in America
What is indigenous knowledge ?
According to the United Nations Educational , Scientific and Cultural Organization
Indigenous knowledge as ‘the understandings, skills and philosophies developed by societies with long
histories of interaction with their natural surroundings
Indigenisation focuses on 2 things
1. Perspective
2. Methodologies (the systematic, theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a field of study or project.
It acts as a strategic blueprint, outlining the rationale,, procedures, and techniques (e.g., surveys,
interviews) used to gather and analyze data, ensuring research validity.)
, Indigenous African Psychology
Indigenous African psychology is defined as the process of using traditional knowledge and
cultural practices to support the mental and social well-being of individuals while helping their
communities (clans) grow and stay healthy.
Components of indigenous communities
According to the source material, indigenous communities are built on five main components that ensure
the survival and progress of the group. These components focus on how people relate to one another, their
environment, and their own personal growth.
Component Simple Description
A group of people related by blood or kinship. In these communities, the "clan" also
The Clan includes nature, animals, and the environment, and everyone works together to help the
planet and the people survive.
This is about learning how to use "common sense" or native intelligence. It teaches
Cognitive
people how to think clearly and reason so they can communicate and connect effectively
Development
with others and nature.
This focus is on emotions and empathy. It teaches people how to show kindness to others
Affective
and nature, while also learning how to control their feelings in both private and public
Development
places.
This involves learning the right way to act, speak, and think. The goal is to make sure
Behaviour every person shows respect when they interact with other humans, animals, and the world
around them.
These are practical skills used to protect and preserve the community. For example, it
Psychological
includes understanding the meaning of traditional music rhythms or knowing when to plant
Learning
crops based on the seasons.
Why These Components Matter
These parts of the community work together to build Ubuntu, which is the idea that our humanity is found
through our connections with others. Elders in the community often pass this knowledge down through
storytelling and rituals, ensuring that the next generation knows how to be honest, respectful, and helpful to
the group.
The different ways to define psychology
Person / Scholar Simple Definition
Making psychology reflect the specific knowledge, philosophies, and culture of people
Sinha (1997)
based on their own roots and region.
Matoane (2012) Placing culture at the center of how we understand and define how humans function.
Kim & Berry The study of the values, attitudes, and beliefs of native people that influence how they
(1993) behave.
African Psychology
The systematic and informed study of the complexities of human mental life , culture and experiences in
the pre and post colonial African world.
The meaning of African Psychology
African Psychology can be divided into 2
1. The old psychological learning and practices in indigenous society
2. The modern psychological learning and practices in the present day with the western approach
African psychology reflects the uniqueness and the complexities of African reality
According to Oppong
preoccupied with creating psychological knowledge that is situated in culture, history and material concerns
of contemporary ways of living in Africa
According to Obasi and Smith
Dynamic manifestation of the unifying African principles, values, and tradition, conscious centring of
psychological analysis and applications in African reality, culture, and epistemology. Explain that African
psychology has a social mission and , rejects the Western doctrine of materialism and embraces the
possibilities associated with a spirit-based ontological system.
According to Jamison
African psychology is a field of study interested in investigating and understanding the key psychological
costs of being African and Black in America
What is indigenous knowledge ?
According to the United Nations Educational , Scientific and Cultural Organization
Indigenous knowledge as ‘the understandings, skills and philosophies developed by societies with long
histories of interaction with their natural surroundings
Indigenisation focuses on 2 things
1. Perspective
2. Methodologies (the systematic, theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a field of study or project.
It acts as a strategic blueprint, outlining the rationale,, procedures, and techniques (e.g., surveys,
interviews) used to gather and analyze data, ensuring research validity.)
, Indigenous African Psychology
Indigenous African psychology is defined as the process of using traditional knowledge and
cultural practices to support the mental and social well-being of individuals while helping their
communities (clans) grow and stay healthy.
Components of indigenous communities
According to the source material, indigenous communities are built on five main components that ensure
the survival and progress of the group. These components focus on how people relate to one another, their
environment, and their own personal growth.
Component Simple Description
A group of people related by blood or kinship. In these communities, the "clan" also
The Clan includes nature, animals, and the environment, and everyone works together to help the
planet and the people survive.
This is about learning how to use "common sense" or native intelligence. It teaches
Cognitive
people how to think clearly and reason so they can communicate and connect effectively
Development
with others and nature.
This focus is on emotions and empathy. It teaches people how to show kindness to others
Affective
and nature, while also learning how to control their feelings in both private and public
Development
places.
This involves learning the right way to act, speak, and think. The goal is to make sure
Behaviour every person shows respect when they interact with other humans, animals, and the world
around them.
These are practical skills used to protect and preserve the community. For example, it
Psychological
includes understanding the meaning of traditional music rhythms or knowing when to plant
Learning
crops based on the seasons.
Why These Components Matter
These parts of the community work together to build Ubuntu, which is the idea that our humanity is found
through our connections with others. Elders in the community often pass this knowledge down through
storytelling and rituals, ensuring that the next generation knows how to be honest, respectful, and helpful to
the group.
The different ways to define psychology
Person / Scholar Simple Definition
Making psychology reflect the specific knowledge, philosophies, and culture of people
Sinha (1997)
based on their own roots and region.
Matoane (2012) Placing culture at the center of how we understand and define how humans function.
Kim & Berry The study of the values, attitudes, and beliefs of native people that influence how they
(1993) behave.
