Psychological Literacy in the Caribbean: A Bahamian View

Sixth International ConferenceOn Psychology Education ICOPE 6

Flagstaff, ArizonaAugust 3rd – 5th, 2014

Ava D. Thompson, PhDCollege of The Bahamas

Psychology in The Bahamas

Bahamian Psychology Education and Training

Relatively new discipline38 Psychologists for a

population of 372,000Most psychologists

centrally located in the capital

Present in multiple sectors of Bahamian society

Predominantly clinical focus

Limited Research Output

BA launched in 2005Over 200 majors and

4 areas of concentration

AA and related BA programmes at other institutions

All graduate training completed abroad

Over 50 graduates 4 full-time faculty

Programme Aims & Objectives

AimsTo provide culturally-relevant learning experiences

that are consistent with international standardsTo develop a diverse perspective and an

international outlook across the curriculum with locally and regionally distinct courses

ObjectivesTo foster an appreciation for diversity in psychology,

international psychology and psychological theories emerging from developed and developing countries;  

To contribute to the development of an indigenous approach to psychology to address the needs of the Bahamian and Caribbean societies

COB’s Tripartite Undergraduate Model

International

Regional

National

International History of Psychology in PSY

100/101Oral & Written AssignmentRead article on psychology in one country

◦ The British Psychologist & International Psychology Bulletin Identify factors that influence the development of

psychologyCompare to the Bahamian realityOutcomesAppreciate the variability in the development of

psychology Understand similarities & differences in the role of

contextual factors Explain the range of professional activities

psychologists undertake to promote human well-being.

Who’s Who: Psychologists and Their Work

Bahamas & Caribbean

International

PSY 100/101Present profiles of

Pioneers & Contemporary Psychologists

PSY 300 (Clinical Psy) Interview Bahamian

psychologists and create brochures that are used in other classes

Data also used to write the history of psychology

PSY 301 (Indigenous Psy)Research and present the

scholarship of IP pioneers on all continents e.g., Kim & Park, Nsemenang & Diaz Guerrero (Allwood & Berry, 2006)

PSY 325 (Hist & Systems)Write profiles of

international leaders in psychology (e.g., S. Cooper)

Professionalizing the Discipline: Caribbean Psychology Leaders

Concepts, Research and Application: Diversity &

RelevancePSY 100 Cross-Cultural study on depression in youthClassic studies in Social PsychologyPSY 201(Diversity in Psychology)Differences in conceptualizations of intelligence PSY 301(Indigenous Psychology) Traditional healing systems and integration with

psychology and the healthcare sectorPSY 450 (Seminar in Clinical Psychology)Diversity in case conceptualization and treatment

Journal of Clinical Psychology (2007). Conducting psychotherapy around the globe: Special issue, 63 (8), 713 – 784

Ethics, Human Rights & Development

Ethics in Psychology

Human Rights & Development

Universal Declaration of Ethical Principles of Psychologists (2008)

Context & Diversity in Code of Ethics (available on IUPsyS online resource: PRAW)

National and Regional Code of Ethics

Ethical issues in Small Spaces

Universal Declaration of Human Rights & other human rights instruments (CRC)

Development Initiatives & Indicators: Millennium Development Goals; Mental Health Atlas; WHO-AIMS;

Bahamian & Caribbean legislative and policy developments

Conclusion