Buddhism and Western Psychology

Western Buddhist scholarship and scientific psychology both arose in the late Victorian era and have influenced each other since psychology's beginning. This entry describes how and why psychologists became interested in Buddhism, Buddhism's history and core tenets, and its impact on psychological theory, research, and practice. It also addresses controversies in incorporating Buddhism into a naturalistic empirical framework and unresolved research issues, and outlines future directions for inquiry.

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Abstract

Western Buddhist scholarship and scientific psychology both emerged during the late Victorian era. Buddhism and scientific psychology have exerted mutual influences on each other since psychology’s inception. The Background and Context section of this entry explores how and why psychologists became interested in Buddhism, Buddhism’s history and core tenets, and Buddhism’s influence on psychological theory, research, and practice. The Controversies section explores the problems inherent in incorporating aspects of Buddhism into a naturalistic empirical framework and unresolved research issues. The Promises section outlines future trajectories for continued inquiry.