Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026

11:12
Modulation of the Neurophysiological Response to Fearful and Stressful Stimuli Through Repetitive Religious Chanting
Published on: November 4, 2021
Building more solid bridges between Buddhism and Western psychology
Genji Sugamura1, Yutaka Haruki, Fusako Koshikawa
1genji@fuji.waseda.jp
The American Psychologist
|December 19, 2007
Summary
Wallace and Shapiro explore Buddhism for mental balance, but deeper philosophy risks neglect. Integrating Buddhist teachings requires careful consideration of reality, identity, causality, and logicality for robust psychological applications.
Area of Science:
- Psychology and Philosophy
- Cross-cultural Psychology
- Mental Health Studies
Background:
- Exploration of Buddhist teachings for mental balance by Wallace and Shapiro.
- Systematic categorization of Buddhist concepts and review of Western psychological support.
- Potential for integrating Buddhist practices into mental health frameworks.
Discussion:
- Concern over overlooking profound Buddhist philosophy by focusing solely on practical mental health applications.
- Addressing key philosophical themes: reality, identity, causality, and logicality.
- Critique of superficial imports versus a deeper philosophical engagement.
Key Insights:
- Buddhist philosophy offers valuable insights for mental well-being.
- A balanced approach is needed, integrating practical techniques with philosophical depth.
- Future research should bridge Buddhism and psychology by respecting core philosophical tenets.
Outlook:
- Encouraging the study of Buddhist teachings in psychology through well-being applications.
- Advocating for a nuanced integration that respects Buddhist philosophical depth.
- Building more substantial interdisciplinary bridges between Buddhism and psychology.
Related Concept Videos
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapies emphasize the exploration of unconscious processes and early childhood experiences as fundamental contributors to psychological difficulties. These therapies, deeply rooted in Freud's psychoanalytic theory, aim to uncover and resolve unconscious conflicts, granting individuals insights that promote emotional and behavioral healing. Contemporary psychodynamic approaches have evolved, integrating a broader range of influences and methodologies while still valuing the...
Introspection
Introspection, long upheld as a reliable route to self-knowledge, involves examining one's thoughts, emotions, and mental processes. It underpins many psychological practices, from mindfulness meditation to psychotherapy and self-help strategies. However, empirical evidence challenges the accuracy of introspection as a means of understanding oneself.Limitations of Introspective InsightSeminal work by Nisbett and Wilson demonstrated that individuals are frequently unaware of the true causes...
Humanistic Therapy
Humanistic therapies emphasize personal growth, self-understanding, and the fulfillment of human potential. Rooted in the belief that individuals inherently strive toward self-actualization, these approaches encourage clients to explore their feelings and experiences in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment. Humanistic therapies differ from psychodynamic approaches by focusing on conscious experiences, present circumstances, and the potential for self-improvement rather than past conflicts...
Contemporary Psychology
Psychology explores human behavior and mental processes through various lenses, each offering unique insights. This overview examines key subfields, including biopsychology, evolutionary, developmental, personality, and social psychology, highlighting their approaches and contributions to understanding complex human behaviors.
Biopsychology
Biopsychology, also known as biological psychology or behavioral neuroscience, focuses on the biological underpinnings of behavior and mental processes. It...
Biopsychology
Biopsychology, also known as biological psychology or behavioral neuroscience, focuses on the biological underpinnings of behavior and mental processes. It...
Humanistic Psychology
Humanistic psychology emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to the deterministic and pessimistic nature of behaviorism and psychoanalysis. While behaviorism focused on observable behaviors influenced by the environment and psychoanalysis delved into unconscious motivations, both theories suggested that human actions lacked free will. In contrast, humanistic psychology offers a perspective that emphasizes the innate potential for goodness and growth within every individual.
This approach...
This approach...
Elements Crucial for Effective Psychotherapy
Research has highlighted several critical factors that influence the effectiveness of psychotherapy, such as the therapeutic alliance, the therapist, and the client.
The Therapeutic Alliance
The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between the therapist and the client. The alliance strengthens when the therapist and the client engage in a nurturing, supportive, trusting, empathetic, and respectful relationship, improving therapeutic outcomes. Therapists must monitor this relationship...
The Therapeutic Alliance
The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between the therapist and the client. The alliance strengthens when the therapist and the client engage in a nurturing, supportive, trusting, empathetic, and respectful relationship, improving therapeutic outcomes. Therapists must monitor this relationship...

