Abstract: The role of psychology in contemporary societies for addressing the needs of societies is reviewed. Most of these needs are present in most countries, making psychology a truly trans-national discipline. Psychology does have some general solutions to offer, but there are many challenges to universality that require specific solutions for the particular country. Research done in countries with different systems does not always generalize. This means that additional basic researches on the issues as presented in that country need to be carried forward in that country. Each country needs this indigenization of psychology. Some illustrations are provided of findings that have proved useful as well as challenges that still require research. A structure for research to contribute to a more harmonious society is presented.

Key words: applications, societal needs, generalizability, indigenous psychology