Cross-Cultural Psychology

1. Universality vs. Cultural Specificity
   1. Universal Psychological Processes
      1. Definition of universality in psychology
      2. Evolutionary psychology perspective
         1. Human nature and survival mechanisms
         2. Basic emotions and facial expressions
      3. Cross-cultural similarities in cognitive functions
         1. Basic memory processes
         2. Foundational problem-solving strategies
      4. Commonality in moral development stages
         1. Kohlberg's theory of moral development
         2. Universality in moral reasoning
   2. Culture-Bound Syndromes
      1. Definition and examples of culture-bound syndromes
         1. Instances unique to specific regions
         2. Distinctions from globally recognized disorders
      2. Cultural context and perception of mental illness
         1. Influence of cultural beliefs on symptoms
         2. Diagnostic challenges and cultural sensitivity
      3. Case studies of culture-bound syndromes
         1. Koro, Amok, Dhat, etc.
         2. Implications for diagnosis and treatment
   3. Critiques of Universalism
      1. Debate between universalism and cultural relativism
         1. Definitions and theoretical underpinnings
         2. Moral relativism and cultural norms
      2. Limitations of universal psychological theories
         1. Overreliance on Western-centric research
         2. Ignoring cultural diversity in psychological constructs
      3. Arguments for integrating cultural specificity
         1. Importance of culturally informed practices
         2. Recognition of variability in psychological experiences
   4. Balancing Universality and Cultural Specificity
      1. Hybrid models of psychological analysis
         1. Integrative approaches in mental health
         2. Blending emic and etic perspectives
      2. Role of indigenous psychologies
         1. Understanding local mental health practices
         2. Creating culturally sensitive therapies
      3. Case for a global psychology framework
         1. Shared global challenges in psychology
         2. Ethical and practical implications
   5. Methodological Considerations
      1. Cross-cultural research design and its limitations
         1. Ensuring methodological rigor and validity
         2. Adapting experimental designs to diverse cultures
      2. Language and translation issues in research
         1. Maintaining meaning equivalence
         2. Barriers to effective communication
      3. Ethical practices in cross-cultural research
         1. Informed consent across cultural contexts
         2. Addressing cultural biases and stereotypes
   6. Educational and Policy Implications
      1. Educating psychologists on cultural competence
         1. Training programs and curriculum development
         2. Encouraging cultural empathy and understanding
      2. Global policy initiatives
         1. Promoting culturally sensitive mental health policies
         2. Addressing cultural factors in public health strategies
      3. Impact on international collaborations
         1. Enhancing cross-disciplinary partnerships
         2. Sharing knowledge across cultural boundaries