Decolonising Australian Psychology: Discourses, Strategies, and Practice

Abstract

Colonisation in Australia has had a devastating and lasting impact on the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia (herein referred to as Indigenous Australians). This paper discusses the role of psychology in Australia and the negative impact that certain disciplinary theories and practices have had on Indigenous Australians. The impact has been further exacerbated by the failure of mainstream policy makers and mental health practitioners to recognise the key, distinctive cultural and social determinants that contribute to Aboriginal health and wellbeing. There is a growing response by Aboriginal psychologists, critical social theorists, and their allies to decolonise psychological theory and practice to redress this situation. This paper outlines key decolonising strategies that have been effective in interrupting those aspects of psychology that are inimical to Aboriginal wellbeing.

Australian Indigenous Psychology

“…Specifically, there are provisions regarding obligations to respect, recognise, and uphold Indigenous peoples' individual and collective rights to develop, maintain, and use their own health systems, institutional structures, distinctive customs, spirituality, traditions, procedures, and practices in pursuit of their right to health and mental health and wellbeing. Authors such as Dudgeon and Walker (2015) have examined this relationship in other papers.…”

Barapa Country through Barapa eyes: cultural mapping of Gunbower Island, Australia

“…Cultural mapping is one way for indigenous communities to promote their political goals regarding land claims and participate in decolonisation through spatial information (Bryan, 2009;Harley, 2009;Herlihy & Knapp, 2003). For the purpose of the map developed, decolonisation is the ability to present information that has been approved in a way which is culturally appropriate for the community (Dudgeon & Walker, 2015). In this map, decolonisation is supported by the minimal use of non-indigenous spatial data, the consultative development process, and the approved use of Indigenous information.…”

The Australian Psychological Society's Apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

“…There is now increasing recognition that psychologists need to rethink their own understanding, values, and attitudes towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Australia's First Nations people. An important first step in this process is developing an understanding and awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture and how colonisation has shaped contemporary disadvantage (Dudgeon & Walker, ). The first APS Reconciliation Action Plan was one of the strategies for increasing cultural responsiveness within our discipline and profession.…”

“…A key theme in the discussion regarding how to achieve significant and sustainable change in our discipline regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is the need for decolonisation (Dudgeon, Bray, D'Costa, & Walker, ; Dudgeon, Garvey, Gridley & Rickwood, ; Dudgeon & Walker, , this issue). Decolonisation of our discipline and profession is a critical aspect for building psychologists’ awareness, responsiveness, and specific professional skills.…”

“…Decolonisation of our discipline and profession is a critical aspect for building psychologists’ awareness, responsiveness, and specific professional skills. Decolonisation refers to recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural views, conceptual frameworks, and practices based on holistic conceptions of health and wellbeing and incorporating them into psychological research, practice, and services (Dudgeon & Walker, ).…”