Layout

Introduction/Background

How Psychology Provides Culturally Comparable Outlooks

Assessment of Cultural Influences Similarities

Assessment of Cultural Influences Differences

Conclusion

Introduction/Background

Middle Eastern psychology has drawn considerable attention in recent years, shedding light on the nuances of psychological practice in this context (Hassan et al., 2021; Oakley et al., 2019). The key figures, most pressing problems, and theoretical inconsistencies in Middle Eastern psychology present a thought-provoking image of its formation and distinction from Western psychology.

Middle East Psychology

The Arab world, with 22 member states in Asia and Africa, has approximately 5% of the global population and is characterized by diverse economic and cultural environments (Saab et al., 2022). The religion of Islam and official language of Arabic form the socio-cultural environment of the region (Saab et al., 2022).

Key Figures of Islamic Psychology

Islamic psychology has a rich history, with Ibn Sina, Muhammed Zakariyah-e-Razi, Al-Ghazali, and Ibn-Khaldun being some of the key players who influenced its underlying principles (Martyn Shuttleworth, 2019). These contributions have set the stage for understanding the intersection of religion and psychology in Islamic contexts.

Central Concerns and Theoretical Conflicts

Muslim groups, particularly residing in Western countries, are confronted by various challenges encompassing spiritual, biopsychosocial, and financial aspects (Tanhan & Young, 2021). Although psychological stability in terms of mental health has been highly emphasized in Islam, mental health services access still remains restricted among Muslim communities (Tanhan & Young, 2021). The application of Muslim mental health professionals’ expertise emerges as an urgent need in eradicating these disparities with the help of targeted interventions and research studies (Tanhan & Young, 2021).

How Psychology Offers Culturally Similar Perspectives

The integration of religion into models of psychology has gained popularity, embodied in initiatives such as the American Psychological Association’s Division 36 on the Psychology of Religion (APA, 2018). Evidence supports the favorable correlation between religiosity and mental well-being, with an emphasis on culturally sensitive approaches that resonate with diverse systems of belief (Iqbal & Skinner, 2021).

Evaluation of Similarities in Cultural Influences

Cultural influences permeate Islamic and Western psychology, with shared values of equality and justice (Rifai, 2022). The integration of socio-political, religious, and economic influences defines the psychological environment, which encourages a multi-dimensional study of human behavior across diverse environments (Rifai, 2022).

Evaluation of Differences in Cultural Influences

Acculturation gaps and language ability differences pose real barriers to highly acculturated immigrants and ethnic minorities to access mental health services (Dahlan et al., 2019). These barriers are compounded by cultural barriers, which demand culturally specific interventions to fill the gap in delivering mental health care (Dahlan et al., 2019).

Conclusion

Last but not least, the disparity between Islamic and Western psychology emphasizes similarity and dissimilarity regarding their cultural basis. Acculturation, combined with targeted research efforts, training, and advocacy, is the answer to the promotion of mental health equity across diverse populations transcending linguistic, ethnic, and geographic boundaries.

PSYC FPX 4100 Assessment 1 Community Presentation

Oakley, L. P., López-Cevallos, D. F., & Harvey, S. M. (2019). The association of cultural and structural factors with perceived medical mistrust among young adult Latinos in rural Oregon. Behavioral Medicine, 45(2), 118-127.

Rifai, D. S. L. (2022). Islam and the West in Ali al- Namlah ‘s Reconciliatory Thought: Dr SLM RIFAI Part 1. Papers.ssrn.com.

Saab, R., Harb, C., Ayanian, A. H., Badaan, V., & Albzour, and M. (2022). Psychology in the Arab region: A critical perspective on challenges and ways forward. APS Observer, 35.

Tanhan, A., & Young, J. S. (2021). Muslims and mental health services: A concept map and a theoretical framework. Journal of Religion and Health.