UNAIR NEWS – The Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) hosted an international guest lecture online on Tuesday, April 23, 2025. The event, titled Cross-Cultural Applications in Psychology, featured Prof. Dr. Suryanto, M.Si, a faculty member, as the keynote speaker.
In his lecture, Prof. Suryanto explored how cross-cultural principles are applied within psychology. He emphasized the growing importance of this approach in understanding human behavior in a globally connected society.
“Cross-cultural psychology enables us to grasp how cultural norms, values, and social practices shape individuals’ thought patterns, emotional responses, and social behavior,” Dean of Psychology explained.
Cultural awareness as a foundation for global professionalism
Prof. Suryanto highlighted the importance of recognizing cultural differences when analyzing human behavior. He noted that communication styles, emotional expression, and perceptions of time vary significantly across cultural contexts.
“For example, Western cultures such as the United States often value direct communication, while East Asian cultures tend to use more indirect communication in order to preserve harmony,” he said.
He also addressed the contrast between individualistic and collectivist cultures. Individualistic cultures—found in regions like Western Europe and North America—emphasize personal freedom and self-expression. In contrast, collectivist cultures, common in Asia and Africa, prioritize group harmony and collective well-being.
“Understanding these differences is crucial for avoiding misunderstandings that can hinder professional collaboration or interpersonal relationships in multicultural environments,” he stressed.
Integrating cross-cultural methods into psychological research
Prof. Suryanto also discussed research methodologies in cross-cultural psychology, emphasizing the need for cultural equivalence in psychological assessments. He advocated for incorporating both emic approaches, which interpret behavior within the context of a specific culture, and etic approaches, which identify universal psychological principles across cultures.
“Many Western psychological theories don’t always align with non-Western contexts. That’s why it’s essential to adapt theories, methods, and interventions to the cultural setting,” he added.
Combating bias and ethnocentrism
The lecture also addressed the risks of ethnocentrism in psychological practice. Prof. Suryanto cautioned against the assumption that one’s own culture is superior, warning that such biases can lead to discrimination and social conflict.
“Psychologists must adopt a culturally relativistic perspective and avoid making broad generalizations that undermine other cultures,” he said.
To address this challenge, he emphasized the importance of cross-cultural education and training for professionals in psychology and social services. Concluding his remarks, Prof. Suryanto encouraged students to develop cultural sensitivity as a key professional skill.
Author: Nafiesa Zahra
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
