Methodology for Building Psychological Models from Scriptures: Contributions of Indian Psychology to Indigenous and Universal Psychologies

• Published in: Psychology and developing societies 2010-03, Vol.22 (1), p.49-93
• Main Author: Bhawuk, Dharm P. S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cultural studies; Developed countries; Indigenous populations; Psychology; Qualitative analysis
• ISSN: 0971-3336; 0973-0761
• DOI: 10.1177/097133360902200103

Building on the Indian Psychological literature, this article presents a methodology of how to construct models from scriptures. Four approaches to model building are proposed by presenting examples. First, models exist in the scriptures, and they need to be discovered and polished to fit with the relevant literature. Second, a content analysis of the text(s) by using keywords can lead to the development of models about constructs, such as peace, spirituality, karma, dharma, identity, etc. Third, by recognising what works in the indigenous cultures, and tracing the idea to traditional wisdom and scriptures, practical and useful theories and models can be developed. Fourth, by questioning Western concepts and models in the light of indigenous wisdom, knowledge, insights and facts, one can develop indigenous models. These approaches steer away from the pseudo-etic approach, and allow theory building that is grounded in cultural contexts. Implications for future research in Indian Psychology (IP) are discussed. It is hoped that this article will stimulate the Indian psychological movement by providing a template to bridge psychology, philosophy and spirituality.