Clinical Psychology Research and Social change

1.) How does research in clinical Psychology relate to social change?
2.) How can research potentially make a difference? To whom?
3.) Why is this important?
4.) What can a psychologist contribution be to academia, in the profession, and in the community?
5.) How can one use Qualitative approach, quantitative approach and mixed methods approach in research?
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1.) How does research in clinical Psychology relate to social change?

Social change indicates that some change has taken place in social order in society. For instance, there are several areas in which Clinical Psychology relates to and affects social change, including (a) the provision of research on evidence-based treatment, (b) creating and changing policies, and (c) producing treatment-based policies to bring about a change in the lives of clients. For example, studies in research can be used to change policies in the treatment of disadvantaged children. In addition, clinicians collaborate with other professionals to develop strategies or interventions to change the way minorities and other disadvantaged persons are assessed. For instance, clinicians may develop an instrument that is more culturally relevant to minorities, and/or women.

Catano (2011) cites recent trends toward evidence-based interventions in education, social work, criminology, government policy-making, and management. He asserts that a substantial amount of work in evidence-based interventions is provided by Clinical psychologists that help to develop criteria for evaluating psychological treatments, and making recommendations to other practitioners and other health professionals on the efficacy of treatment. Further, the American Psychological Association (APA, 2006) Task Force makes recommendations on how to examine the scientific basis for treatments related to services rendered by health care psychologists including assessment, diagnosis, prevention, psychotherapy and consultation. The research-based evidence can be used to identify and integrate the best research evidence with clinical practices to be designated among cultures and preferences in treatment.

To impact social change, the clinical counselor/practitioner works to remove barriers that promote social biases and injustices. For example, when working with clients, the counselor/practitioner recognizes and identifies social barriers that affect a clients’ psychological health. In another way, Clinical Psychology contributes to social change by helping to bridge the gap between psychological theories and a client’s reality. Social change is brought about as the client becomes aware of his or her situation, and learns how to overcome barriers that prevent psychological health and personal growth.

2.) How can research …