From cross-cultural to cultural thinking in psychological research and practice in Ghana

ABSTRACT

The importance of cultural factors has been a contested issue in psychological research and practice around the world. This paper argues for the importance of conducting psychological research and practice with respect to the cultural context of Ghana. The first part of this article focuses on definition of culture as a concept in psychology and the challenges and theoretical positions of the relationship between culture and psychology. The essay further focuses on the factors necessitating the shift from cross-cultural thinking to cultural thinking in psychological research and practice in the country. The final part of the essay examines the implications of cultural thinking for research methodologies in psychological research and practice in Ghana. It assertively concludes that psychological science can aid service users better if its Westernized focus is challenged and realigned with the cultural context of the country.

KEYWORDS:

• Cross-cultural
• cultural thinking
• psychology
• Ghana

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes on contributor

Joseph Osafo holds a PhD in Health Sciences and Mphil in Psychology (Clinical). He is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Psychology, University of Ghana. Dr Osafo is the Executive Chair of Centre for Suicide and Violence Research (CSVR), Ghana. His research area focuses on Suicidal behaviours; mental illness and caregiving; religion and mental health; adolescent sexuality and mental health; maternal and child mental health services in LAMICs.

ORCID

Joseph Osafo http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4002-291X