Sustainable Development Dynamics in Nigerian Psychology: An Ethnographic Exploration

Sustainable development in Nigeria faces significant challenges, particularly in psychology where traditional approaches may not fully address contemporary societal needs. An ethnographic study involving participant observation, interviews with practitioners, and document analysis to understand the lived experiences and theoretical frameworks of Nigerian psychologists. The findings reveal a predominant emphasis on community-based initiatives and intergenerational dialogue as core components of sustainable development in Nigeria's psychology landscape, with over 70% of participants incorporating these elements into their work. This study highlights the importance of integrating traditional knowledge systems with modern psychological theories to foster more effective and culturally sensitive approaches to sustainable development. Psychologists should be encouraged to engage more deeply with local communities, particularly elders and youth, as key partners in developing sustainable practices that are both locally relevant and globally applicable.