Applied Psychology Researchers’ Reflections on Conducting Indigenous People’s Psychological Studies in the Philippines

Abstract: Situated against the backdrop of the Clark Special Economic Zone is the Clarkfield Aytas (also spelled as Aeta) who inspired the researchers at the Applied Psychology Program of the University of the Philippines in Pampanga to engage in Indigenous Peoples (IP) research. The condition of the Clarkfield Aytas somewhat parallels the experiences of the world’s IP whose diminishing domain forces them to adapt to a way of life that is different from theirs and assume identities that had never been created before in their culture. Studying the Aytas’ life conditions and other psychological variables detached from the bigger context of being a part of the ecosystem in which they exist in interdependence and the nation-state’s sociohistorical reality only partially describes their condition. Similarly, not responding to their need for greater community participation and empowerment may deem our psychology irrelevant and useless in advancing social justice and inclusive progress. How can psychology contribute to IP studies? Multidisciplinary research approaches in critical theories, the Sikolohiyang Pilipino, and community psychology may be utilized to come up with useful methodologies. Challenges remain for researchers in doing research with the Filipino Indigenous communities: to examine their own paradigms/worldviews and pedagogical orientation and seek to answer the question as to whether their psychology truly helps uplift the living conditions of a special population of Filipinos, the Indigenous People.