Buddhism and Western Psychology
The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology January 1, 2026 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-70581-6_249-1 via Springer Nature
Summary
Buddhism and scientific psychology have influenced each other since psychology began in the late Victorian era. The background discusses psychologists' interest in Buddhism, its history, and core principles, while the controversies address challenges in integrating Buddhism into a naturalistic framework. Future research directions are also highlighted, emphasizing ongoing inquiry into this intersection.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | Buddhism and scientific psychology have mutually influenced each other since the inception of psychology. |
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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.