Introduction to the concept of Filipino Psychology

Filipino psychology, or Sikolohiyang Pilipino, is a philosophical and psychological school that is rooted in
the experience, ideas, and cultural orientation of Filipinos

It was formalized in 1975 by the Pambansang Samahan sa Sikolohiyang Pilipino (National Association for
Filipino Psychology) under the leadership of Virgilio Enriquez, who is regarded by many as the father of
Filipino Psychology 1. The movement aims to decolonize and liberate the mind from colonial and foreign
influences 1. It focuses on various themes such as identity and national consciousness, social awareness,
and involvement, and it uses indigenous psychology to apply to various fields such as religion, mass
media, and health 1. The movement has three main areas of protest. First, it is against a psychology that
promotes the colonial mentality, and decolonizes the Filipino mind. Second, it is against the imposition
of a psychology that is more appropriate to industrialized countries. Finally, the movement is also against
the exploitation of the masses through the use of psychology 1.

According to Luis Enriquez, Sikolohiyang Pilipino does not advocate for the removal of foreign ideas from
the field of psychology. Instead, it believes that psychological knowledge can be derived from the culture
1. It also believes that foreign theories should not be completely abandoned. In 1978, Enriquez proposed
two processes that can be used to indigenize knowledge: indigenization from within and indigenization
from without. Indigenization from without involves searching for local equivalents for commonly used
psychological concepts. Indigenization from within is a process in which the knowledge and methods
related to psychology are derived from the local culture 1.

The roots of Filipino Psychology can be traced back to the introduction of the American education
system in the Philippines. Western psychology is taught in schools as universal and scientific despite
being generally considered by some as insensitive and inappropriate to Philippine culture. This
hegemony of Western American Psychology is referred to as Colonial Psychology 1. The emergence of
Filipino Psychology and the Sikolohiyang Pilipino movement is a response to this hegemony and the need
to create a psychology that is more appropriate to the Filipino culture and experience 1.

Historical and cultural factors influencing Filipino Psychology

Filipino Psychology, or Sikolohiyang Pilipino, is a movement that aims to develop a psychology that is
rooted in the culture, language and experience of the Filipino people. According to this page, some of
the historical and cultural factors that influenced its emergence and development are:

Colonial history: The Philippines was colonized by Spain for over 300 years and by the United States for
almost 50 years. This resulted in the imposition of Western values, beliefs and models of psychology on
the Filipino psyche, creating a sense of inferiority, dependency and alienation among the Filipinos.
Sikolohiyang Pilipino seeks to decolonize the Filipino mind and reclaim its indigenous identity and
dignity.

Ethnic diversity: The Philippines is composed of various ethnic groups, each with its own language,
customs and worldview. The dominant psychology in the country, however, tends to ignore or
marginalize the contributions of these groups to the national culture and identity. Sikolohiyang Pilipino
aims to recognize and respect the diversity and richness of the Filipino culture and to integrate the
insights and practices of the different ethnic communities.

Social problems: The Philippines faces many social problems, such as poverty, inequality, corruption,
violence, human rights violations and environmental degradation. These problems affect the well-being,
development and liberation of the Filipino people. Sikolohiyang Pilipino strives to address these
problems from a Filipino perspective, taking into account the values, needs and aspirations of the
people. It also advocates for social justice, freedom and democracy in the country.

Globalization: The Philippines is part of the global community, and is influenced by the trends and
challenges of the modern world. These include the advancement of science and technology, the spread
of mass media and information, the emergence of new forms of communication and interaction, and the
increasing interdependence and cooperation among nations. Sikolohiyang Pilipino responds to these
changes by developing a psychology that is relevant, adaptive and creative. It also seeks to contribute to
the development of a global psychology that respects and celebrates the diversity and unity of humanity.

What are some criticisms of Sikolohiyang Pilipino?

Sikolohiyang Pilipino is a movement that aims to develop a psychology that is based on the Filipino
culture, language and experience. However, it has also faced some criticisms from various perspectives.
Some of the criticisms are:

Lack of empirical foundation and elaboration: Some critics have argued that Sikolohiyang Pilipino lacks a
solid empirical basis and a clear and coherent theoretical framework. They claim that it relies too much
on anecdotal evidence, personal opinions, and vague concepts that are not well-defined or
operationalized. They also point out that it has not produced enough empirical studies or publications to
support its claims and applications 12.

Ethnocentrism and essentialism: Some critics have accused Sikolohiyang Pilipino of being ethnocentric
and essentialist, meaning that it assumes that there is a fixed and homogeneous Filipino identity and
culture that can be easily captured and measured by psychology. They argue that this ignores the
diversity and complexity of the Filipino people, who are influenced by various historical, social, political,
and global factors. They also suggest that it may reinforce stereotypes and prejudices about the Filipinos,
rather than challenge them 2.

Relevance and applicability: Some critics have questioned the relevance and applicability of Sikolohiyang
Pilipino to the contemporary and changing world. They contend that it may be outdated, irrelevant, or
ineffective in addressing the current and emerging issues and problems that the Filipinos face, such as
poverty, inequality, corruption, violence, human rights violations, and environmental degradation. They
also doubt that it can contribute to the development of a global psychology that respects and celebrates
the diversity and unity of humanity 2.

How does Sikolohiyang Pilipino address the issue of colonialism?

Sikolohiyang Pilipino is a movement that aims to address the issue of colonialism in psychology by developing
a psychology that is based on the Filipino culture, language and experience. It challenges the dominance and
universality of Western psychology, which is seen as insensitive, inappropriate and oppressive to the Filipino
psyche. It also seeks to decolonize and liberate the Filipino mind from colonial and foreign influences, and to
reclaim its indigenous identity and dignity. Some of the ways that Sikolohiyang Pilipino addresses the issue of
colonialism are:

 It uses the concept of indigenization to create a psychology that is derived from the local culture and
context, rather than imposed from the outside. Indigenization can be done from within, by using the
native language and concepts to generate psychological knowledge and methods, or from without, by
finding local equivalents for commonly used psychological concepts 12.
 It focuses on various themes that are relevant and important to the Filipino people, such as national
identity and consciousness, social awareness and involvement, and indigenous psychology in various
fields such as religion, mass media and health 34.
 It advocates for social justice, freedom and democracy in the country, and addresses the social
problems that affect the well-being, development and liberation of the Filipino people, such as
poverty, inequality, corruption, violence, human rights violations and environmental degradation 12.
 It respects and celebrates the diversity and richness of the Filipino culture, and integrates the insights
and practices of the different ethnic communities in the country 12.
 It contributes to the development of a global psychology that respects and celebrates the diversity and
unity of humanity, and that is relevant, adaptive and creative in the contemporary and changing
world 12.

How does Sikolohiyang Pilipino differ from other Asian psychologies?

Sikolohiyang Pilipino is a movement that aims to develop a psychology that is based on the Filipino culture,
language and experience. It differs from other Asian psychologies in several ways. Some of the differences
are:

 Sikolohiyang Pilipino is one of the earliest and most influential forms of indigenous psychology in
Asia. It was formalized in 1975 by the Pambansang Samahan sa Sikolohiyang Pilipino (National
Association for Filipino Psychology) under the leadership of Virgilio Enriquez, who is regarded by
many as the father of Filipino Psychology 1. Other Asian psychologies, such as Chinese psychology,
Indian psychology, and Japanese psychology, emerged later and were influenced by Sikolohiyang
Pilipino 2.
 Sikolohiyang Pilipino is based on the concept of kapwa, which means shared identity or shared
selfhood. Kapwa is the core value of Filipino culture and psychology, and it reflects the Filipino
worldview of interconnectedness, interdependence, and harmony among all beings 13. Other Asian
psychologies may have different core values or concepts, such as ren (humaneness) in Chinese
psychology, atman (self) in Indian psychology, and wa (harmony) in Japanese psychology 2.
 Sikolohiyang Pilipino is also a form of liberation psychology, which means that it seeks to decolonize
and liberate the Filipino mind from colonial and foreign influences, and to reclaim its indigenous
identity and dignity. It also advocates for social justice, freedom and democracy in the country, and
addresses the social problems that affect the well-being, development and liberation of the Filipino
people 12. Other Asian psychologies may have different goals or orientations, such as promoting
cultural diversity, enhancing human potential, or fostering global citizenship 2.
How does Filipino Psychology differ from Western psychology?

Filipino Psychology, or Sikolohiyang Pilipino, is a movement that aims to develop a psychology that is based
on the Filipino culture, language and experience. It differs from Western psychology in several ways. Some of
the differences are:

 Origin and purpose: Filipino Psychology emerged and grew as part of the nationalist indigenization
movement in the Philippines that was formalized in 1975 12. It challenges the dominance and
universality of Western psychology, which is seen as insensitive, inappropriate and oppressive to the
Filipino psyche 12. It also seeks to decolonize and liberate the Filipino mind from colonial and foreign
influences, and to reclaim its indigenous identity and dignity 12. Western psychology, on the other
hand, is taught in schools as universal and scientific despite being generally considered by some as
insensitive and inappropriate to Philippine culture 2. It is also influenced by the industrialized and
individualistic context of the West, and may not be relevant or applicable to the Filipino context 3.
 Approach and method: Filipino Psychology uses the concept of indigenization to create a
psychology that is derived from the local culture and context, rather than imposed from the
outside 12. Indigenization can be done from within, by using the native language and concepts to
generate psychological knowledge and methods, or from without, by finding local equivalents for
commonly used psychological concepts 12. Filipino Psychology also uses
a qualitative and holistic approach to understand the Filipino psyche, taking into account the
historical, social, political and global factors that shape it 12. Western psychology, however, tends to
use a quantitative and reductionist approach, relying on standardized tests, experiments and statistics
to measure and explain human behavior 3. Western psychology also tends to use etic concepts, which
are universal and culture-free, rather than emic concepts, which are specific and culture-bound 3.
 Core value and concept: Filipino Psychology is based on the concept of kapwa, which means shared
identity or shared selfhood 12. Kapwa is the core value of Filipino culture and psychology, and it
reflects the Filipino worldview of interconnectedness, interdependence and harmony among all
beings 12. Kapwa also implies a sense of pakikipagkapwa, which means relating to others as equals,
and pakikiramdam, which means sensing the feelings and thoughts of others 12. Western psychology,
however, is based on the concept of self, which means individual identity or individual selfhood 3. Self
is the core value of Western culture and psychology, and it reflects the Western worldview of
autonomy, independence and individualism 3. Self also implies a sense of self-esteem, which means
evaluating oneself positively, and self-assertion, which means expressing oneself openly 3.

Who were the pioneers of Sikolohiyang Pilipino?

Sikolohiyang Pilipino is a movement that aims to develop a psychology that is based on the Filipino culture,
language and experience. Some of the pioneers of Sikolohiyang Pilipino are:

 Virgilio Enriquez: He is regarded by many as the father of Sikolohiyang Pilipino. He introduced the
concept of Sikolohiyang Pilipino in the early 1970s after returning from Northwestern University,
USA with a Ph.D. in Social Psychology. He challenged the dominance and universality of Western
psychology, and advocated for indigenization, decolonization and liberation of the Filipino mind. He
founded the Philippine Psychology Research House and the Pambansang Samahan sa Sikolohiyang
Pilipino. He also produced various publications on indigenous psychology, the Filipino psychology of
language and politics, philosophy and values, cross-cultural psychology and Philippine studies 12.
 Alfredo Lagmay: He was a psychologist who obtained his Ph.D. in experimental psychology from
Harvard University. He returned to the University of the Philippines and became the Chair of the
Department of Psychology. He practiced a lot of research on behavior modification, relaxation and
hypnosis. He also helped establish the foundation for a psychology of and for the Filipinos 3.
  Jaime Bulatao: He was a Jesuit priest and a psychologist who obtained his Ph.D. in clinical
psychology from Fordham University. He taught at the Ateneo de Manila University and became the
founder and director of the Ateneo Center for Psychological and Educational Services. He conducted
research on various topics such as Filipino values, culture-bound syndromes, altered states of
consciousness, and paranormal phenomena. He also wrote books on Philippine mysticism, cults, and
psychic phenomena 4.
 Prospero Covar: He was an anthropologist who obtained his Ph.D. in anthropology from the
University of the Philippines. He taught at the University of the Philippines and became the Dean of
the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy. He initiated the movement of Pilipinolohiya, which is
the study of the Filipino culture and society from an interdisciplinary perspective. He also developed
the concept of pamimilosopiyang Pilipino, which is the Filipino philosophy based on the Filipino
worldview and values 5.
 Zeus Salazar: He was a historian who obtained his Ph.D. in history from the University of the
Philippines. He taught at the University of the Philippines and became the Chair of the Department of
History. He initiated the movement of Pantayong Pananaw, which is the perspective of viewing the
Filipino history and culture from the point of view of the Filipinos themselves. He also developed the
concept of pamayanang diskurso, which is the discourse of the Filipino community based on the
Filipino language and culture 6.

What is the role of language in Sikolohiyang Pilipino?

Language is an important aspect of Sikolohiyang Pilipino, as it reflects the culture, worldview and values of
the Filipino people. According to Enriquez, language is not only a tool for communication, but also a way of
knowing and understanding reality 1. He argued that using the native language, which is Filipino, is essential
for developing a psychology that is based on the Filipino experience and orientation. He also proposed the
concept of indigenization from within, which means generating psychological knowledge and methods from
the local language and culture 1.
One of the contributions of Sikolohiyang Pilipino is the identification and elaboration of indigenous concepts
that are relevant and meaningful to the Filipino psyche. Some of these concepts
are kapwa, loob, pakikipagkapwa, pakikiramdam, bahala na, hiya, utang na
loob, pakikisama, pakikipagpalagayang-loob, and pakikibaka 2. These concepts are derived from the
Filipino language and culture, and they reflect the Filipino worldview of interconnectedness, interdependence
and harmony among all beings 2. They also capture the Filipino values, attitudes and behaviors that are often
misunderstood or misrepresented by Western psychology 2.
Another contribution of Sikolohiyang Pilipino is the development of indigenous research methods and
personality testing that are based on the Filipino language and culture. Some of these methods are pakapa-
kapa, pakikiramdaman, pakikipagkuwentuhan, pakikipagkwentuhan, pakikisangkot, pakikilahok,
and pakikipagpalagayang-loob 3. These methods are based on the Filipino ways of knowing and relating to
others, and they emphasize the importance of empathy, rapport, participation and involvement in the research
process 3. Some of the personality tests that are based on the Filipino language and culture
are PANAS, PANAS-X, PANAS-F, PANAS-P, PANAS-S, PANAS-C, and PANAS-D 4. These tests are
based on the Filipino emotions and traits, and they measure the positive and negative affect, self-esteem, social
desirability, coping styles, and depression of the Filipino respondents 4.

In summary, language plays a vital role in Sikolohiyang Pilipino, as it is the medium and the source of
psychological knowledge and methods that are rooted in the Filipino culture and experience. Language also
enables the expression and understanding of the Filipino psyche, which is often different from the Western
psyche. By using the Filipino language, Sikolohiyang Pilipino aims to create a psychology that is more
appropriate, relevant and liberating for the Filipino people.
In what ways has colonial history influenced the development of Filipino psychology?

The colonial history has significantly influenced the development of Filipino psychology in several ways:
1. Colonial Mentality (CM): This is a psychological exploration of the effects of colonialism among
Filipinos1. The unique colonial experience of the Philippines, which includes over 300 years of
Spanish rule and subsequent American regime, has resulted in a colonial mentality2. This condition
predisposes Filipinos to uncritically reject anything Filipino and accept anything that is American 2.
2. Denigration of the Filipino Self and Culture: Colonial mentality is manifested through different
ways among Filipinos, including denigration of the Filipino self, denigration of Filipino culture and
body, discrimination against less Americanized Filipinos, and tolerance and acceptance of historical
and contemporary oppression of Filipinos2.
3. Influence on Mental Health: Colonial mentality, particularly the feelings of inferiority and negative
body images, can potentially inflict psychological harm and lead to negative mental health outcomes 2.
4. Influence on Language and Lifestyle: The widespread use of English and its regard as the language
of the educated or upper class, along with the abundance of Western restaurants and shops, are
remnants of the Philippines’ long history of colonization under Spain and the United States1.
5. Skin-Whitening: The pervasive vestiges of Western colonial influences have led to the popularity of
skin-whitening products and clinics in the Philippines1.
These influences continue to shape the Filipino psyche, even after the formal end of colonial rule 2.

some examples of how colonial mentality affects Filipinos today:

1. Preference for Foreign Brands: Filipinos often prefer foreign brands over local products. For
instance, many Filipinos choose branded shoes like Nike over local products such as those from
Marikina1.
2. Skin Whitening: The use of skin-whitening products is prevalent in the Philippines, reflecting a
preference for lighter skin tones2.
3. Entertainment and Beauty Industries: The entertainment and beauty industries in the Philippines
often favor individuals of mixed Filipino and European ancestry or those with fair skin, also known as
mestizos3.
4. Language and Culture: Many older Filipinos won’t pass on aspects of their culture or language to
their children, fearing it may lead to stereotypes that go against the status quo in the country they now
reside in4.
5. Mental Health: Colonial mentality can shape everything from mental health to perceptions of beauty,
especially among Filipino youths4.

These examples illustrate how colonial mentality continues to influence the attitudes and behaviors of Filipinos
today.

Filipino traditions:
Certainly! Filipino culture is a rich tapestry of indigenous, Malay, Spanish, and American influences, each
layer interwoven with the others. Here are some key aspects of Filipino culture and traditions:
 1. Bayanihan: Known as the spirit of cooperation, Bayanihan is a long-standing custom in the
Philippines that started during the pre-colonial period. It refers to the practice of helping one’s
neighbors in times of need, such as during home construction or a move1.
2. Respect for Elders: Filipinos place a high value on filial piety and have a deep respect for their
elders. The “pagmamano” gesture, where a younger person takes an elder’s hand and touches it to
their forehead respectfully, is one example of how this regard is shown1.
3. Pasahayan: This is a unique style of street celebration in the Philippines. It includes live music,
dancing, food, and entertainment. A pasahayan can be held to celebrate a religious festival, a regional
holiday, a birthday, or other significant events1.
4. Simbang Gabi: This is a series of nine Masses held in the nine days leading up to Christmas. The
tradition dates back to the 16th century when Spanish missionaries introduced the Catholic religion to
the Philippines1.
5. Resilience: Filipinos are known for their resilience. In times of calamities and catastrophes, they
manage to rise above the challenge2.
6. Family First: In the Philippines, family comes first. Whether you are part of the immediate family or
you belong to the third or fourth generation, you are treated as a family member2.
7. Religious: Filipinos are very religious. It is a common Filipino custom to go to church every Sunday,
or sometimes even twice or three times a week2.
These traditions and practices are highly valued and have been passed down through the years, reflecting the
nation’s rich cultural heritage1.

Understanding indigenous perspectives can significantly enhance our overall comprehension of psychology in
several ways:
1. Contextual Understanding: Indigenous psychology emphasizes the importance of understanding
each culture from its own frame of reference, including its ecological, historical, philosophical, and
religious or spiritual context1. This approach provides a more nuanced and accurate understanding of
human behavior within specific cultural contexts.
2. Diversity and Differences: Indigenous psychology helps us understand diversity and differences,
providing a common frame of reference for human behavior across the globe2. It acknowledges that
psychological principles cannot be assumed to be universally similar1.
3. Local Knowledge: Indigenous psychology values local knowledge, which is believed to facilitate
social change and empower local communities2. This knowledge stems from scholars located in the
specific culture and has meaning within that culture1.
4. Ecological Connection: Indigenous psychology is influenced by ecopsychology, which aims to find
out how people can connect with the natural world in ways that are healthy and sustainable both for
people and for the planet2. This perspective can help us understand the interdependency between
psychological knowledge and ecology2.
5. Holistic Approach: Indigenous psychology offers a holistic approach to understanding human
behavior. It emphasizes relational health, including with Creation3, and considers the wellbeing of all
entities, including humans, as intertwined with the health and wellbeing of Creation3.

Absolutely! Here are a few examples of how local knowledge can empower communities:
1. Sustainable Development: Traditional and local knowledge is the collective body of knowledge,
innovations, and practices of indigenous peoples and local communities worldwide1. This knowledge
is gained through extensive experience in a specific place, landscape, or ecosystem and carried from
one generation to the next1. It guides them in using and managing their land and its resources
sustainably, creating a system that enables them to adapt and thrive in their location 1.
 2. Community Education Programs: These programs are essential to the development and
empowerment of local communities2. By providing opportunities for community learning and
development, these programs help individuals gain the knowledge and skills they need to tackle the
unique challenges faced by their communities2.
3. Trans Rights Advocacy: A community group advocating for trans rights holds an effective
fundraising effort to support its education initiative to include topics of transgender, gender identity,
and cisgendered prejudice in sex education curriculum in local schools3.
4. Empowering Indigenous Communities: The National Indigenous Australians Agency has
implemented the Empowered Communities initiative, which is a new approach to engaging with
Indigenous Australians on the ground to improve the way government does business with
communities4.
These examples illustrate how local knowledge can lead to the building of stronger and more sustainable
futures2, and how it can be used to address local challenges, promote social, economic, and political
participation, as well as access to education, health care, and other essential services 2.