A Pioneering Effort to Give Voices to Indigenous Psychology in Southeast Asia

Abstract

For this special issue, eight manuscripts were accepted. The contributions showcase a range of indigenous psychological concepts and practices in the Southeast Asia (SEA) region. These include the Filipino values of "kapwa" (shared identity) and Indonesian values of "Mangan ora mangan sing penting kumpul" and "Dalihan Na Tolu" (both referring to the importance of kinship) in relation to one's preferred sources of social supports, Filipino coping strategies of "diskarte" (resourcefulness) and "bayanihan" (mutual, collective support) in managing mental health challenges, the "Sikolohiyang Pilipino" (Filipino Psychology) movement in the Philippines, the "kiasu" mindset (fear of losing out), and traditional Chinese healing practices of "dang-ki" (consultations with a divine deity) in Singapore. The contributions all address sustainable development goals in SEA communities, such as mental health challenges and practices in Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore;the marginalization of ethnic minority groups;effects of postcolonialism in the Philippines and Malaysia;and issues of urbanization, deforestation, and climate change in Malaysia. Some assessed specifically the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on SEA populations' well-being, including comparisons of COVID-19 stigma and quality of life in Indonesia and the Philippines, the associated factors of self-harm and suicide ideation among Chinese Indonesians, and the mental health challenges faced and coping strategies utilized by doctors working in rural areas in the Philippines. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)