Asian Perspectives on Psychology (Cross-Cultural Research and Methodology series) [Hardcover]

Henry S R Kao (Editor), Durganand Sinha (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 5, 1997 | ISBN-10: 0803992939 | ISBN-13: 978-0803992931

Focusing on what makes psychology in Asia distinct from that in the West, the contributors to Asian Perspectives on Psychology present perspectives and approaches to psychological knowledge as practiced in Asian countries. The original essays cover socialization and development, cognition and emotion, social behavior and personality, and indigenous approaches to health by experts from different countries. The contributors make the case that Asian psychologists, as distinct from their Western colleagues, take into account the spiritual and transcendental, are more practically oriented, and show a greater concern for larger societal and personal issues. This volume demonstrates how Asian psychological traditions can provide fresh perspectives to enrich the field and argues for a greater complementarity between Western and Eastern approaches. For those schooled in Western psychological approaches, Asian Perspectives on Psychology offers a new take on the field of psychology that will stimulate discussion. Students as well as academics and researchers in cross-cultural psychology, multicultural counseling and psychology, cultural anthropology, and research methods will want to consider the information offered in this volume.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`Edited by two doyenne of Asian psychology, the book is a commentary on the late 20th-century psychology, which is primarily populated by North American and European researchers, economically and intellectually dominated by Western perspectives, and yet fully culturally and historically sensitive in its outlook. It is also a collection of mostly useful reviews of the most recent psychological research done of Asian people in the vein of indigenous psychology whcih advocates psychological research of people from their own cultural perspective.... The chapters present a kaleidoscope of "Western" psychological concepts and the reality of Chinese and Indian societies and culture. Interestingly, however they fall into research topics of contemporary psychology' - Contemporary Psychology

`This is a significant step in loosening the death-grip of Western colonial powers on many Eastern cultures....This book, in pointing the way to how much may be gained from the scientific knowledge found in traditional Asian psychology, is a welcome voice in the wilderness' - Contemporary South Asia

`Psychologists working in Asian settings, but trained in western methods, are ideally positioned to bridge both cultures and provide an avenue for a mutually satisfying and enriching exchange of knowledge. This book endeavours to do exactly this while hoping that the exercise will allow unities to emerge, and at the same time permit diversities to coexist... Kao and Sinha have set themselves the laudable but difficult task of spanning a very vast area... Their efforts need to be appreciated. The book... makes absorbing and informative reading, not just for social and behavioural scientists, but for anyone interested in studying the influence of culture on human behaviour' - Indian Review of Books

`A laudable effort. The book attempts to bridge the gap between western and eastern psychologies.... Excellent material.... The book contains several chapters of great merit and thus is worth possessing' - Economic and Political Weekly

Product Details

• Hardcover: 396 pages
• Publisher: SAGE Publications Pvt. Ltd (May 5, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803992939
• ISBN-13: 978-0803992931
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,066,569 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)