Reflexivity: a model for teaching and learning cultural responsiveness in mental health

ABSTRACT

Cultural responsiveness is a term accepted by many as the best descriptor for professionals working with Indigenous clients in cross-cultural situations. This article sets out a guideline and a model of cultural responsiveness that can be adopted by mental health professionals worldwide. This model positions reflexivity at the centre and as the source and force that drives the cultural responsiveness dynamic. Domains of this model were previously identified from the literature and provide a guideline for students and practitioners to learn and to work in ways that are culturally responsive. Implications for the use of this model within teaching and learning contexts as well as within professional practice are discussed.

Key points

What is already known about this topic:

1. Cultural responsiveness is a fundamental requirement for mental health practitioners working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

2. Cultural responsiveness is a core learning component for students of psychology aspiring to work as mental health practitioners.

3. Reflexivity is an important aspect of the cultural responsiveness dynamic.

What this topic adds:

1. A new model of cultural responsiveness that is dimensional and iterative.

2. A model that centres reflexivity as the source and impetus for developing cultural responsiveness.

3. A more defined guideline of cultural responsiveness that assists teaching and learning for institutions, students, and practitioners.

KEYWORDS:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
• reflexivity
• cultural responsiveness
• Indigenous
• conceptual model
• teaching and learning

Acknowledgements

It is acknowledged that the work of this review took place on the traditional lands of the Gamilaroi and Anaiwan nations of northwest New South Wales, Australia, and respects are paid to Elders past, present and emerging. Acknowledgement is also given to the Aboriginal Advisory Group, which assisted with cultural advice and support.

The term Indigenous is used respectfully within this article as a term to identify both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia.

The first author, a proud Gamilaroi man, is supported by a University of New England Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Higher Degree by Research scholarship.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are openly available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/00050067.2021.1974281