Psychology in the Philippines: An overview of the state of the discipline emphasising sociocultural, clinical, and health perspectives

This chapter surveys the discipline of psychology in the Philippines, primarily focusing on sociocultural, clinical, and health perspectives. A capsule description of the history of the Philippines is offered, including lasting issues of colonisation. Then the history of psychology in the Philippines will be detailed, including literature concerning the development of psychology and the licensing of psychologists; the influence of Catholicism on societal matters within the Philippines; sociocultural concerns, such as intimate partner violence; and the effects of strict abortion laws. Finally, the high rates of suicide in the Philippines will be discussed through the window of the aforementioned concerns and through the psychological view from social, clinical, and health perspectives.