Summer 2022

Dr. C. Costigan

PSYC 366 Culture and Child Mental Health Reflection

In this reflection paper, you will consider a child mental health topic from a different cultural
vantage point. The profession of psychology is grounded predominantly in Euro-centric
assumptions and ways of knowing. Theories and perspectives on health, illness, and intervention
are generally oriented towards people whose identities match the dominant culture (e.g., white,
cisgender, heterosexual, able-bodied, native-born, etc.). This assignment encourages you to think
about a course topic from a critical lens.

The topic: You will select a content area related to child mental health. This could be the
definition of mental health and wellness broadly, or it may be a specific topic we are learning
about this term (e.g., autism, ADHD, anxiety, etc.). Your job in this assignment is to learn about
the topic from a different cultural perspective. This could include a cultural group within Canada
(e.g., Indigenous perspectives, Black Canadians) or it could entail a global perspective (e.g., a
different country). Thus, your topic will include a content area and a cultural context.

The paper: You will locate a resource that addresses the topic you have selected. Your paper
will consist of your reflections on
1) how your selected topic (i.e., a mental health topic from a different cultural vantage
point) compares to what we learn from sources such as our textbook and
2) what is important for Canadian psychologists to understand about the topic. For
example, are there distinct risk factors in certain communities for a mental health
condition? Are there ways in which polices or practices create barriers to receiving
care for a mental health condition in certain communities? Or ways in which current
approaches to assessment or treatment might be a poor match in certain communities?
Other critical perspectives are also welcome.

Your resource should come from a peer-reviewed source (e.g., journal article, book chapter).
Other sources, such as in-depth investigative reporting, may be appropriate, but share it with me
in advance for approval if you are unsure. You only need one resource; you will not have space
in the assignment to include more than one! Let me know if you have trouble finding an article
and I will help. Also, please run your idea by me and/or the article you have selected, if you
are unsure.

Your reflection paper you should include:

1. A statement of the topic you are addressing – why is this topic important and how might
current understandings of the topic be insufficient? (approx. 1 page)

2. Your reflections on how the field could improve in the selected area. What do
psychologists and counsellors need to understand about the topic to better serve children
and youth from your selected cultural context? (approx. 1 page)

How the resource fits into your reflection paper will vary. For some students, the resource will
help with part 1; for others, the resource will help with part 2; for some, the resource will help
with both parts. Base the remainder of the reflection paper on what you know from this class and
 Summer 2022
Dr. C. Costigan

your own thoughts. Be sure to cite your resource in your paper, but you do not have to cite
course/text material (you can assume that is shared knowledge).

Due: Submit your paper and the resource on which your paper was based to our Brightspace
course page by May 19, 2022 by 8:00 pm

Length: 2 pages + a cover page

Format: responses should be double-spaced, 12 pt font, with 1” margins all around; unlike for
most papers, include the citation for your research your cover page.

Evaluation: This paper will contribute 10% to your final mark. Both content and
style/presentation of ideas will count. Areas of evaluation will be
• Identification of core problem that is being addressed (5 points max)
• Discussion of how to improve in the identified area (5 points max)
• Selection of resource (1 point max)
• Paper meets formatting requirements (1 point max)