Insights from
Within
Dr. Yi-Ying Lin
林怡瑩
My Research Interests:
Data-Driven Insights into Counseling from an East Asian Philosophical Lens
INTRODUCTION
About Me: My Cultural Odyssey
My journey began in the vibrant landscapes of Taiwan and unfolded across the academic halls of the United States, where I pursued my passion for counseling. This cross-continental odyssey has profoundly influenced my identity as a researcher, counselor, and educator.
My Taiwanese heritage imbued me with an appreciation for the delicate artistry of Chinese poetry, the profound wisdom of ancient philosophers, and the serene beauty of ink wash paintings.
Transitioning to life in the United States, I delved into the intricacies of human thoughts, feelings, and behavior, which honed my ability to discern life's intricate patterns and engage in enriching dialogues aimed at liberating one’s mind.
This bicultural existence has not only augmented my appreciation of universal human nature but also cultivated a deep respect for the rich tapestry of cultural differences.
My core belief is that our cultural and social backgrounds are pivotal in shaping individuals’ thinking, emotions, behaviors, and attitudes, thereby influencing our interpersonal interactions and everyday experiences.
This belief underscores my dedication to integrating cultural considerations into my scholarly endeavors, aspiring to foster mental well-being and develop transcultural therapeutic modalities. I hope that by advancing our understanding of the human mind, individuals from all cultural backgrounds will unlock the power within for positive changes.
A Confluence of East Asian Thoughts, Empirical Study, and Mental Health
At the heart of my research lies the intersection of East Asian philosophies and contemporary mental health practices. Specifically, my focus is on unraveling how the three teachings of East Asia - Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism - inform all aspects of people’s life and shape their well-being. I am also captivated by how practices and concepts stemming from these philosophies, such as mindfulness and self-compassion, are assessed and applied in varied cultural landscapes.
I believe these explorations contribute to the field by:
1. Facilitating In-Depth Understanding: Providing profound insights into individuals of East Asian heritages
2. Offering an Eastern Perspective: Presenting a fresh, Eastern vantage point to the global discourse on the human mind, beyond the traditional Western approach
3. Promoting Culturally Responsive Strategies: Enhancing culturally responsive counseling and public health campaigns
4. Broadening Conceptual Framework: Enriching the conceptual framework of crucial constructs that are pivotal to individual well-being across cultural contexts.
My Research Interests
MEASUREMENT
Three Teachings of East Asia (TTEA) Inventory
Dr. Lin, as the principal creator, alongside her collaborators, developed the TTEA Inventory, offering a comprehensive, fine-grained tool for researchers and clinicians to assess the influence of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism on various aspects of individuals' lives.
Four Ideologies & Their Unique Tenets
* Impermanence and Mindfulness, central to Buddhism, cross-loaded across Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, reflecting their shared acceptance due to historical cross-pollination among these teachings. As TTEA aims to identify unique tenets, they were excluded from the 61-item inventory but remain available for research and clinical use.
A Comprehensive, Fine-Grained Tool
The TTEA Inventory consists of 61 items grouped into 18 individual tenet subscales. These subscales are further organized into 4 higher-order ideologies: Buddhism, and Taoism, empowering aspects of Confucianism, and restrictive aspects of Confucianism. Researchers and clinicians can use the composite or the subscale scores in accordance with their research designs and needs.
A short form (TTEA-36) is also available, preserving the essence of the full scale while providing researchers and clinicians with a concise alternative that considers the survey’s overall length.
A Cross-Cultural, Multilingual Measurement
TTEA inventory has been validated across 4 languages (you can find these language versions below) and 5 distinct cultural groups. This inventory can be effectively used in diverse cultural settings, making it a valuable tool for researchers who want to explore underlying mechanisms of well-observed cultural difference and for clinicals who want to evaluate individuals’ endorsement of three teachings in various cultural contexts.
