Developing an Indigenous Positive Psychology in the United Arab Emirates

Authors

  • Louise Lambert The Canadian University of Dubai (Dubai, UAE)
  • Nausheen Pasha-Zaidi The Petroleum Institute, Abu Dhabi (UAE)
  • Holli-Anne Passmore University of British Columbia (Kelowna, BC, Canada)
  • Carrie York Al-Karam The College of Saint Rose (Albany, NY, USA).

Keywords:

culture, positive psychology, indigenous

Abstract

A call for an indigenous positive psychology to address the human development needs of both Emirati and expatriate residents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is proposed.  A positive psychology approach leverages inherent, yet often neglected social, cultural and religious strengths and mobilizes psychological skills and growth.  Yet, too often, psychology practitioners focus on the negative or do not feel it is their job to promote mental health and happiness.  Many of the UAE’s psychology professionals are non-Emiratis; thus, the call for an indigenous psychology is even more pertinent as many theories, tools, and practice models are ill fitting or inappropriately utilized in the UAE.   Rooted in Western notions of secular individualism that run contrary to the UAE’s collective and non-secular orientation, a focus on the negatives, avoidance of spirituality, and disguised Western ideals of normality can harm both the social and individual psychological fabric.  Thus, the introduction of an indigenous positive psychology that focuses on and supports natural strengths is timely.  To introduce this idea, the field’s tenets are reviewed and the future steps necessary for the development of an indigenous version are proposed with the aim of facilitating the growth of this flourishing nation.

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Published

2015-02-28

How to Cite

Lambert, L., Pasha-Zaidi, N., Passmore, H.-A., & York Al-Karam, C. (2015). Developing an Indigenous Positive Psychology in the United Arab Emirates. Middle East Journal of Positive Psychology, 1(1), 1–23. Retrieved from https://www.middleeastjournalofpositivepsychology.org/index.php/mejpp/article/view/24

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