MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING: DIALOGUES BETWEEN PSYCHOLOGY AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLES IN BRAZIL

Abstract

The Western view of health differs from the Bem Viver (Good Living) philosophy of indigenous peoples in Brazil. In this regard, the study aims to review the scientific literature on the intersections between mental health, psychology, and the good Viver philosophy within the Indigenous context, seeking to understand how these systems of knowledge can contribute to psychological practices. To this end, a narrative literature review was conducted using the databases PePSIC, BVS Psicologia, LILACS, CAPES, and SciELO, covering the years 2020–2025.The results indicate that the Bem Viver philosophy is closely linked to the harmony between body, territory, ancestry, and community. When this logic is not respected, the impacts on mental health include depression, anxiety, suicide, and mourning due to territorial loss, as well as environmental impacts and community ruptures. The psychologist plays a key role in fostering processes of community reconstruction, spiritual integration, and reconnection with the territory.It is concluded that by understanding the concept of Bem Viver, psychologists can promote mental health and strengthen the collective identities of indigenous peoples.