Culture and Psychology

Abstract

Abstract This chapter introduces readers to a basic model and framework with which to understand how human cultures influence, and are influenced by, psychological processes and behaviors. It provides a working definition of culture; describes the factors that influence the creation, maintenance, evolution, and function of human cultures; distinguishes them from nonhuman cultures; and introduces the subjective elements of human culture on the level of attitudes, values, beliefs, opinions, worldviews, and norms, all of which regulate behavior. The chapter discusses the relation of these elements of culture to psychological processes and social behaviors and introduces the mediating role of context. It also describes universality and culture specifics in psychological processes and behaviors leveraging the concepts of etics and emics. The chapter understands cultures as solutions to the problems of groups’ needs to adapt to their contexts and environments in order to survive. Hopefully this very basic framework of the relation between culture and psychological processes provides a basis for understanding the relation between culture and mental health, locally and globally.

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