We illustrate the use of Indigenous Psychology (IP) and the practice of decolonizing research through a concrete example of a multicultural, multilingual, and multidisciplinary research team using participatory qualitative research to investigate cultural beliefs about mental illness in Thailand. Indigenous psychology is critical of hegemonic Western European approaches to ontology and epistemology in non-Western contexts, choosing instead to value, elevate, and privilege indigenous forms of knowledge, experience, and expertise in the realm of psychological research. From the recruitment of the researcher team, to the design of the study and the data collection process, as well as the collaborative consensual analysis of the interviews, the entire process emphasizes and honors the local voices represented within the community throughout Thailand—to tell their story and reflect their cultural beliefs regarding mental health in their own languages. This presentation will highlight the challenges, strengths, richness, and surprises of engaging in decolonizing research. Having this team of researchers from different cultural backgrounds and muti-native languages has enhanced the richness in the thematic analysis and deepened the interpretation of the findings, better representing indigenous Thai beliefs. Additionally, we will discuss how cross-cultural, multidisciplinary and multi-lingual research is more than just translation; It is a transformative process for the researchers themselves. Attendees will be encouraged to reflect on their own epistemologies and challenged to incorporate principles of Indigenous Psychology in their own work.

Authors:
Paweena Woothitha, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
Charles Liu, Wheaton College, United States
Pannawadee Chiamsiri, Cornerstone Counseling Foundation, Thailand
Angkarin Pimpaeng, Cornerstone Counseling Foundation, Thailand
Paporn Mongkolwat, International Sustainable Development Studies Institute, Thailand

About the Presenter(s)
Chuck Liu, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist and assistant professor in Wheaton College’s School of Psychology, Counseling, and Family Therapy.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-liu-phd-b87561a

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

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