Developing psychological literacy: is there a role for reflective practice?

Abstract

Psychological literacy is an umbrella term that is widely used to describe the attributes or capabilities of psychology graduate (Cranney & Dunn 2011). This article explores some of the complexities inherent in the learning and teaching of psychological literacy by exploring challenges to the development of self-awareness and cultural competence, and posits a role for reflective practice. Evidence for the contribution of reflective practice to the development and application of psychological literacy is offered. The challenges of introducing reflective practice into the psychology curriculum are then discussed, with insights from the literature and a small trial offered to support academics in introducing reflective practice into the higher-education psychology curriculum.