The strength-based approach to educational psychology practice: a critique from social constructionist and systemic perspectives

Abstract

The positive psychological research underpinning the strength-based approach makes two important claims of relevance to the practice of educational psychologists (EPs): (1) there are key, ubiquitous strengths, some of which are more worthy of development and amplification than others; and (2) this approach could resolve some of the issues associated with the traditional deficit model, by moving practice away from problem-focused language, negative labelling and within-person hypotheses. This paper aims to explore these two claims from social constructionist and systemic perspectives, respectively. It is argued that it is imperative for EPs to critically reflect on the research underpinning this approach and to consider how the principles of social constructionism and systemic thinking may facilitate its application in practice. It is concluded that, in order to move the approach forward, it will be essential for personalised strength-based approaches, which consider an individual’s strengths contextually, to be developed and utilised.

Keywords:

• positive psychology
• strength-based approaches
• educational psychology
• deficit model
• social constructionism
• systemic thinking

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all of the tutors at Cardiff University. Special thanks should also be given to Sam Wilkinson for his continued support and encouragement.