AC 1.1. Evaluate the theory of ‘Critical Psychology and Psychology for Liberation’

Assignment title: Exploring Psychology

Scenario

You work as a Health Psychologist for a Small and Medium Enterprise in the care sector. The purpose of your role is to help people deal with the psychological and emotional aspects of health and illness as well as supporting people who are chronically ill. For example advising people to improve their health or looking at ways on how best to encourage positive behaviours or reduce negative behaviour. Overall your role is to assess and treat clients with a range of mental or physical health issues, conditions and disorders. To meet assessment of this unit, you are required to write a report based on following the given tasks to reflect your understanding, knowledge and skills.

Task 1 Conduct qualitative enquiry of stereotype threat, racial socialization, LGBTQ psychology and connect it to mental health.

AC 1.1. Evaluate the theory of ‘Critical Psychology and Psychology for Liberation’

AC 1.2. Articulate arguments about current pressing social issues using critical psychology

AC 1.3. Analyse the effect of prejudices and discrimination on an individual’s mental health.

1000 words

Task 2 Understand the critical theory, discourse of postmodernism and application of hermeneutics

AC 2.1. Evaluate the relationship between power and knowledge

AC 2.2. Analyse the psychology of oppression and use the knowledge to develop solutions to social problems

AC 2.3. Develop solutions to social problems that are practicable and realistic.

1000 words

Task 3 Be able to practise critical psychology and apply the methods of liberation.

AC 3.1. Evaluate critical conscious and double conscious

AC 3.2. Create a model that displays crisis counselling

AC 3.3. Analyse the therapy of capitalism

1000 words

Example Answer (Plagiarised, Place an Order to Get 100% Unique Answer)

AC 1.1. Evaluate the theory of ‘Critical Psychology and Psychology for Liberation’

Introduction

As a Health Psychologist in a Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) operating within the care sector, my role is to support individuals in managing the psychological and emotional aspects of health and illness. This includes addressing chronic conditions, promoting positive behaviours, and mitigating negative ones. A critical aspect of this role involves understanding the effects of social structures, stereotypes, and discrimination on mental health. This report conducts a qualitative enquiry into stereotype threat, racial socialisation, and LGBTQ psychology, linking these concepts to mental health. It further evaluates the theory of Critical Psychology and Psychology for Liberation, explores social issues through a critical psychology lens, and analyses the impact of prejudice and discrimination on mental health.

AC 1.1: Evaluation of ‘Critical Psychology and Psychology for Liberation’

Critical Psychology challenges the dominant perspectives in traditional psychology, arguing that mainstream psychological theories often ignore the socio-political and economic factors influencing mental health. Rooted in Marxist and feminist traditions, this approach examines how power structures shape individual experiences.

Psychology for Liberation, an extension of Critical Psychology, was developed by theorists such as Ignacio Martín-Baró. It emphasises addressing systemic oppression and empowering marginalised communities by acknowledging the broader socio-political context of mental health issues. This perspective contrasts with traditional psychology, which often places responsibility solely on the individual rather than acknowledging structural inequalities.

In the care sector, these theories are highly relevant. Patients experiencing chronic illness often face systemic barriers, including limited access to healthcare, financial instability, and workplace discrimination. Applying a liberatory psychological approach allows practitioners to address these inequalities while advocating for policy changes that improve mental health outcomes.

AC 1.2: Articulating Arguments on Pressing Social Issues Using Critical Psychology

Critical psychology provides a framework to examine social issues such as stereotype threat, racial socialisation, and LGBTQ psychology through a lens that recognises systemic oppression and structural barriers.

1. Stereotype Threat and Mental Health
   Stereotype threat occurs when individuals internalise negative societal stereotypes about their identity, leading to stress, anxiety, and reduced performance. For instance, a care worker from a minority ethnic background may experience heightened anxiety due to preconceived notions about their capabilities. This phenomenon contributes to mental health issues such as depression and low self-esteem.

Critical psychology argues that stereotype threat is not merely an individual problem but a result of institutionalised discrimination. Addressing this requires systemic interventions, including inclusive workplace policies, training on unconscious bias, and support networks that reduce the psychological burden on affected individuals.

2. Racial Socialisation and Mental Health
   Racial socialisation refers to the process by which individuals learn about their racial identity through family, peers, media, and societal structures. While positive racial socialisation (e.g., cultural pride and resilience) can buffer against discrimination, negative socialisation (e.g., experiences of racism) can lead to distress, anxiety, and identity confusion.

From a critical psychology perspective, traditional models that attribute mental health issues solely to genetic or personal factors fail to address how racial socialisation is shaped by systemic racism. In the care sector, adopting culturally competent psychological approaches can help mitigate the adverse effects of negative racial socialisation by fostering supportive environments that validate diverse experiences.

3. LGBTQ Psychology and Mental Health
   LGBTQ individuals often experience minority stress due to societal discrimination, rejection, and lack of acceptance. Studies indicate higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation within the LGBTQ community, largely due to external societal pressures rather than inherent psychological vulnerabilities.

Critical psychology challenges the pathologisation of LGBTQ identities, historically reinforced by medical and psychological institutions. By advocating for affirmative therapy and inclusive policies, care sector organisations can create safer spaces where LGBTQ individuals feel validated and supported. Addressing mental health disparities requires recognising that societal structures, not individual pathology, contribute to distress.

AC 1.3: Analysis of the Effect of Prejudices and Discrimination on Mental Health

Prejudices and discrimination manifest in various forms, including racism, sexism, homophobia, and ableism, all of which have profound psychological consequences.

1. Impact on Self-Identity and Self-Worth
   Discrimination often leads individuals to internalise negative societal messages, resulting in feelings of inferiority and self-doubt. This is particularly evident in individuals who experience microaggressions—subtle, often unintentional discriminatory remarks that reinforce stereotypes. Persistent exposure to such experiences can lead to imposter syndrome, reduced self-esteem, and chronic stress.