Psychology and Indigenous Peoples

The question of the existence of common characteristics inherent in the psychology of indigenous people around the world has been the subject of much debate. We argue that indigenous people share the experience of colonization, as well as its social and psychological consequences. We develop this argument in four sections: (a) the global history of colonization and social inequalities; (b) aspects of identity and group processes, including intergenerational transmission of shared values, connection to nature, and promotion of social change; (c) prejudice and discrimination toward indigenous people and the role psychological processes play in promoting positive relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous people; and (d) the impact of historical trauma and colonialism on the cognition, mental health, and well-being of indigenous people, as well as the basis for developing successful interventions that integrate indigenous knowledge. Finally, we address future challenges for research on these topics.