Change
Agents
Within
the role as a psychologist, there are challenges, both ethical and
professional, which will transpire over the course of one’s practice. Yet as effective change agents, psychologists
are required to meet and overcome these challenges in effort to benefit their
clients, community, and society-at-large.
In this sense they encourage positive change which is “akin to making
people better…something we should all strive for” (Stevenson, 2011). Two of the most significant challenges change
agents encounter are diversity consciousness and sensible value systems.
First,
persuading individuals to enhance their diversity awareness, transcend
stereotypes, and alter certain opinions will be difficult. As a professional, the psychologist will treat
people from varying ethnicities, with differing beliefs and personal histories
who may possess certain prejudices whether racism, ageism, or sexism. In addition, people will discriminate against
one another based on religion, sexual orientation, and socio-economic class
(Stevenson, 2011). However, “in their
work-related activities, psychologists do not engage in unfair discrimination
based on age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national
origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, or any
basis proscribed by law” (APA, 2002). Hence,
they have an ethical and professional responsibility to promote equality and
acceptance in their practice.
A
second challenge for change agents is fostering reasonable value systems. Although the range of values from person to
person may vary, there are common household, community, regional, national, and
universal standards which individuals should uphold. A number of these parameters are set by
legislation. Yet in many instances, each
individual has the responsibility or choice as to what they consider acceptable
behavior or beliefs. This becomes an
issue when dealing with clients due to the fact that their regard for relative
worth, merit, or importance affects their conduct and attitude, and how they
consider themselves and interact with others.
While many individuals advocate truth, suitable conduct, love, peace,
and non-violence, others defy the like (Stevenson, 2011). Altering or improving a client’s moral
standard will prove to be as challenging as augmenting their cultural
awareness.
In short, in
effort to promote change ethically and responsibly within a community, a
psychologist-in-training should increasingly educate themselves in effort to be
a competent asset to society, volunteer to assist at-risk children youth, attend
local town hall meetings and offer their opinions and views, or join a
community activist group. Each of these
factors will enable them to assist individuals, foster positive thinking,
promote acceptance and awareness, and affect change. As one person is influenced, they likewise
influence another within their family, school, or community.
American Psychological Association.
(2002). Ethical principles of psychologists and
code of
conduct: http://www.apa.org/ethics/code/index.aspx.
Stevenson, D. (2011). What is a
Change Agent? Original Thinking.
Retrieved May 12,
2011, from
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