Pacific-Indigenous Psychology: Galuola, A NIU-Wave of Psychological Practices

This book provides an overview of Pacific-Indigenous knowledge as insights of Oceanic citizen-science to inform culturally-safe practice for psychology, highlighting contemporary Pacific needs and ancient Pacific-indigenous knowledges as tools of healing for global diasporic communities. It suggests more effective research methodologies and practice perspectives grounded in Pacific-Indigenous epistemologies and ontologies for psychology and community capability.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 03 December 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive book offers a profound exploration of Pacific-Indigenous knowledge, presenting it as valuable insights from Oceanic citizen-science that can inform culturally-safe practices in psychology. It delves into contemporary Pacific needs, highlighting areas of crisis such as family violence, education disparities, and health inequities, while also highlighting the ancient wisdom of Pacific-Indigenous communities as healing tools for global diasporic communities in distress. The book's historical journey through the evolution of psychology's knowledge base and practice underscores a fundamental crisis: the lack of recognition and incorporation of Pacific-Indigenous cultural knowledge. It proposes more effective research methodologies rooted in Pacific-Indigenous epistemologies and ontologies, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of both the psychology field and the broader community. Furthermore, it fosters practice perspectives and strategies based on New Indigenous Understandings (NIU-psychology), offering innovative solutions to the pressing crises of our modern world.

Introduction:
The Pacific region is home to a rich tapestry of diverse cultures and traditions, each with its own unique knowledge systems and practices. These knowledge systems have been developed over centuries through generations of interaction with the natural world and human experiences. Pacific-Indigenous knowledge (PIK) encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including traditional medicine, astronomy, agriculture, and spirituality. It is deeply rooted in the values, beliefs, and worldviews of Pacific communities and holds immense value in addressing contemporary challenges and promoting well-being.

Contemporary Pacific Needs:
In recent years, the Pacific region has faced numerous challenges that have impacted the lives of its citizens. Family violence, education disparities, and health inequities are among the most pressing issues. These problems are not unique to the Pacific but are prevalent in many parts of the world. However, the Pacific region has unique cultural and social contexts that make these challenges particularly complex.

Ancient Pacific-Indigenous Knowledge as Tools of Healing:
Despite these challenges, Pacific-Indigenous communities have developed powerful tools and practices to address these issues. Ancient Pacific-Indigenous knowledge is a rich source of wisdom and healing that can be applied to global diasporic communities in need. This knowledge is based on a deep understanding of the natural world, the human body, and the relationship between the two. It emphasizes the importance of community, respect for elders, and the preservation of traditional practices.

The Absence of Pacific-Indigenous Cultural Knowledge in Psychology:
The historical evolution of psychology's knowledge base and practice illustrates a fundamental crisis in the method of producing knowledge for psychology. The absence of Pacific-Indigenous cultural knowledge has led to a lack of representation and recognition of the unique perspectives and experiences of Pacific communities. This has resulted in a narrow understanding of psychological phenomena and a failure to address the cultural and social factors that contribute to mental health problems.

More Effective Research Methodologies:
To address this crisis, it is essential to develop more effective research methodologies grounded in Pacific-Indigenous epistemologies and ontologies. These methodologies will enable researchers to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and social factors that contribute to mental health problems and to develop interventions that are more culturally sensitive and effective.

NIU-Psychology (New Indigenous Understandings):
NIU-psychology is a framework for understanding and promoting mental health and well-being within Pacific-Indigenous communities. It is based on the principles of cultural humility, respect, and reciprocity and emphasizes the importance of community-based practices and the integration of traditional knowledge systems into psychological interventions.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a valuable overview of Pacific-Indigenous knowledge as insights from Oceanic citizen-science that can inform culturally-safe practices in psychology. It highlights the contemporary Pacific needs in areas of crisis and emphasizes the ancient wisdom of Pacific-Indigenous communities as tools of healing for global diasporic communities in need. By recognizing the absence of Pacific-Indigenous cultural knowledge in psychology and developing more effective research methodologies grounded in Pacific-Indigenous epistemologies and ontologies, we can enhance the capabilities of both the psychology field and the broader community. This will lead to more innovative solutions to the pressing crises of our modern world and promote the well-being and dignity of all individuals.

Weight: 524g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031144318
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022