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Psychological anthropology is a scientific discipline predicated on the assumption that the cultural milieu in which people are raised helps define their basic thought processes and behaviors. Psychological anthropologists study the interactions between cultural and mental influences to determine the basic cognitive and emotional composition of the members of specific cultures.
What Is Psychological Anthropology?
To draw meaningful conclusions as to the influences that culture has on mental health, motivation, cognition, emotions and perception, psychological anthropologists study the patterns of human development. The discipline draws from many others, including:
Some experts claim that psychological anthropology is the same as cross-cultural anthropology, which is the comparison of various cultures in an attempt to find similarities and test hypotheses about widespread human behavior. Others, however, contest this assertion, claiming that psychological anthropology looks atspecificcultures to determine how the society uniquely influences behavior rather than drawing broader conclusions from a study of a variety of cultures.
What Does a Psychological Anthropologist Do?
Psychological anthropologists and psychologists attempt to answer many of the same questions. Psychological anthropologists want to understand how the human mind works, what motivates people and causes their behaviors, and how emotions, thoughts, and behaviors manifest and influence human behavior through the course of life from birth to death. In short, the psychological anthropologist is interested in the question of what it means to be human.
However, the psychological anthropologist’s approach differs from that of mainstream psychology in a number of significant ways. Firstly, psychological anthropologists believe that mental composition is not only a result of cognition and experience; it is also a product of the wider cultural and social environment. Moreover, psychological anthropologists take for granted that humans do not necessarily experience everything the same way. For example, in a culture with no word for “anger,” do the members of that culture stillexperienceanger, but simply have no word for it? Or, to them, is what we perceive as anger a different experience?
These are, of course, difficult questions. In an attempt to find the answers, the psychological anthropologist pursues one of the many available avenues of research. Like otherpsychologists, psychological anthropologists may simply have discussions with subjects to learn how they think and feel. They administer tests, such as the classic Rorschach test, and develop indicative case studies of individuals, families, or communities. Many examine mental illnesses to draw conclusions as to how specific cultures experience a specific mental disorder and the prevalence of it in their society.
To make these kinds of conclusions, the psychological anthropologist must have a variety of skills and types of knowledge, including:
Psychological Anthropologist: Typical Work Environment & Occupational Challenges
Some psychological anthropologists conduct fieldwork, in which they immerse themselves in a variety of cultural settings around the world or in their own locality, at a community health center, nursing home, or church, for example. Many psychological anthropologists find employment at research institutions, where they conduct experiments, analyze fieldwork, or conduct metastudies. Or, they may review multiple studies to formulate overarching conclusions.
Other psychological anthropologists work in mental health facilities, focusing on a specific ethnic group and applying psychological principles pertaining to that group’s specific cultural setting, upbringing, rituals, perceptions of emotions and behavior, and so on. They may perform a counseling role with those who have serious mental illnesses, often confined to a single culture or culture group. Or, they might work with clients while gathering data to publish.
Psychological Anthropology Salary & Job Outlook
Psychological anthropology combines a variety of fields, so pinpointing an accurate salary is difficult. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does reveal that anthropologists earn an average salary of$68,310as of May 2022. Those working for the federal government earned an average salary of $85,840, while those working in research and development earned an average of $59,630.
At the same time, the BLS reports that psychologists (other than clinical, counseling, and school psychologists) working for the federal government earned an average salary of$104,870, while those working for scientific research and development companies earned an average of $115,750.
Psychological Anthropology Jobs & Job Description
A variety of institutions, including medical centers, research institutions, nongovernmental organizations, governments, and others hire psychological anthropologists in various capacities. Psychological anthropologists may also establish an independent private practice. In all these settings, they perform various duties, including:
Psychological anthropologists may study specific topics, such as:
Psychological Anthropology Degrees & Education
To practice, psychological anthropologists typically need at least a master’s degree. While those with bachelor’s degrees may be able to assist in a research capacity, a master’s is required to work with patients, lead studies, or teach. Job opportunities increase for students who go on to obtain a doctoral degree, a Ph.D.
Most Master of Science in Psychological Anthropology programs comprise one year of study, though some can be completed in two years on a part-time schedule. During the course of the program, students learn about human development, all the way from infancy through the older years; culture; mental health; psychiatry and psychoanalysis; science; religion; emotion; self-concept; and more. Students may choose to focus on one or several of these areas, although all students must receive basic training. At the Ph.D. level, students work with their advisors to customize a program that meets the specific requirements of their institution.
The field of psychological anthropology is very small. At any one time, a few hundred or thousand professionals may practice the science, but it is growing all the time, especially as more universities add the discipline to their curriculum. However, as of summer 2017, very few institutions offer psychological anthropology programs, fewer than 24, in fact.
Anthropologists, who focus mainly on research, don’t need a specific license, certification, or training to work in their fields. Fellowships or apprenticeships may make it more likely that a research institution or organization will hire a psychological anthropologist, but legally, no extra experience is required to seek employment. Psychologists who work at research institutions or play a supporting role under licensed psychologists also are not required to complete an internship or apprenticeship program or obtain licensure.
Certification is voluntary and allows the professional to engage in a more specific area of focus. Students and graduates can find out more about certification from school or professional organizations.
Psychological Anthropology Organizations & Associations
2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics job market trends and salary figures foranthropologists,psychologists, andpsychologists (all other)are based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed July 2023.
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