Steven J. Heine (2016) has examined and identified two major cognitive models of thinking that are found many cultural environments around the world; analytical and holistic thinking. Let us examine further.
Analytical thinking consists of viewing objects as strictly independent from the surrounding environment, and consisting of their own abstract rules by which the object in question is structured and functioning. In other words, aspects of the environment are independent of each other, and conform strictly to their own individual existence. This cognitive orientation is found predominantly across western cultures, and lead to a dispositional attributions. This is to say, individuals regard observed phenomena as manifesting from a fundamental attribute that belongs to the person or object individually. Such a perspective causes the individual to view the world as being governed by strict abstract rules and conforms to a rigid perspective on the cause of phenomena. Various advantages and disadvantages exist from this perspective, as we shall see in a future post.
In contrast, holistic thinking suggests that all things are not existentially independent, but are all interconnected to all other things in the present environment. Holistic thinking does not regard phenomena as having strict inherit rules of function, but instead suggests that the existence of phenomena occurs in relation to various other environmental events that are interconnected with the phenomena observed. Nothing is individual, but rather exist in a collective and interconnected state in a monistic reality. Furthermore, holistic thinking regards the behavior of others as not being the result of inherited characteristics, but rather as the result of past, present and potential future events that have, are and will occur within the persons life. This orientation is found predominantly among east Asian cultures, and also has several advantages and disadvantages to its presentation.
Though I subscribe to a middle perspective and adopt both cognitive models into my thinking, I have in recent years leaned slightly closer to the holistic perspective. As a westerner, this is unusual. However, this shift in thinking has led to interesting results within my personal life. First, I have noticed that holistic thinking allows one to take on a "flow", perspective; that is, it allows one to drop rigid cognitive schemas and to adopt an increase in perspective taking. Secondly, holistic thinking lets one adopt a more accepting attitude towards life. This mode of thinking allows one to accept contradictory information without neurotically ruminating on the need for a conclusion, which Heine also explains. As such, it may be beneficial for one to adopt a holistic perspective as a treatment for anxiety disorders. Thirdly, I have found that holistic thinking leads one to develop an emotional connection with the external world. In my perspective, this is due to the adoption of a philosophy that this vast interconnectedness with reality leads one to feel closer with others and one's surroundings, and to understand that every action will contribute to change in some way. Lastly, I have found that these previous three factors lead to more positive experiences of affect. This is also due to my recognition that negative emotion has to do with environmental aspects, and therefore can be changed and fixed.
In conclusion, I do fiercely believe that holistic thinking can be advantageous to one's mental health and sense of belonging. Though both have advantages covered by Heine (2013) and which shall be elaborated in a later post, holistic thinking, in my experience, leads to a euphoric sense of connection with reality, better interpersonal relationships, an increased sense of responsibility and increased subjective well being.
References
Heine, S. J. (2016). Cultural Psychology (3rd ed.). United States: W.W. Norton & Company Inc.
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