applied psychology

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

A values-led, evidence-based approach that integrates Applied Behaviour Analysis with dignity, respect, and human rights to prevent problem behaviours and improve quality of life.

Human Rights Model of Disability

A framework that views disability as part of human diversity, identifying barriers as social/environmental rather than intrinsic to the individual.

Good Lives Model (GLM)

A rehabilitation model that focuses on helping individuals achieve essential life goals or 'primary goods' in socially acceptable ways.

Static Risk Factors

Unchangeable factors associated with offending behavior, such as age of first offense, criminal history, and family background.

Dynamic Risk Factors

Changeable factors associated with offending behavior, including current substance use, impulsivity, and peer influences.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A therapeutic approach that helps clients identify and change negative patterns of thinking and behavior, often used with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

‘Old Me / New Me’ Model

A cognitive-behavioral framework that focuses on transforming impulsive, risky patterns ('Old Me') into safer, prosocial behaviors ('New Me').

Barriers in Forensic Disability Work

Challenges such as communication barriers, stigma, resource constraints, and the use of restrictive practices that complicate effective support.

UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)

A landmark international treaty that sets out the rights of people with disabilities and emphasizes their inclusion and equality in society.

Inter-agency Collaboration Issues

Problems arising from poor coordination between justice, health, and disability sectors, leading to inconsistent support for individuals.

Disability

An interaction between an individual’s impairments and societal barriers that hinder full participation.

Medical Model of Disability

Views disability as a problem within the individual that needs to be fixed or treated.

Social Model of Disability

Posits that disability arises from societal barriers such as stigma and exclusion, focusing on changing the environment rather than the individual.

Biopsychosocial Model

Integrates biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding disability.

Human Rights Model

Emphasizes autonomy, participation, and equality, informing frameworks like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Vulnerability

Increased risk of harm, discrimination, or exclusion, which can be situational or systemic.

NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)

Provides funding to Australians with permanent and significant disabilities to improve independence and participation.

Choice & Control (NDIS Principle)

Participants can decide how their funding is used.

Early Intervention (NDIS Principle)

Funding for early supports to prevent worsening outcomes.

Social & Economic Participation (NDIS Principle)

Encouraging community involvement and employment in individuals with disabilities.

Reasonable & Necessary Supports (NDIS Principle)

Principle that funding is provided only for supports that are evidence-based and linked to disability goals.

Evidence-Based Practice

Combines research evidence, clinical expertise, and client preferences in applied psychology.

Ethical Research Practice

Involves people with disabilities as participants and co-creators, treating them with agency.

Complex Application Processes (NDIS Challenge)

The complicated procedures required to apply for disability support funding can lead to inequitable access.

Paradox of Vulnerability

A framework that aims to protect individuals but may lead to disempowerment and exclusion when labeling individuals as 'vulnerable'.

Key Takeaway on Vulnerability

Disability does not equal inherent vulnerability; context shapes vulnerability.

Personality

Individual differences in characteristic patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving.

The Big Five (OCEAN)

A model of personality consisting of Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.

NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI)

A psychological assessment tool used to measure the Big Five personality traits.

Cardinal Traits

Dominant personality traits that influence behavior in most situations (e.g., altruism in Mother Teresa).

Central Traits

Core descriptors of an individual's personality (e.g., being honest or shy).

Secondary Traits

Traits that only appear in specific situations (e.g., impatience under stress).

Extraversion

A personality trait characterized by sociability, energy, and talkativeness.

Neuroticism

A personality trait associated with anxiety and emotional instability.

Holland’s Vocational Preference Inventory (VPI)

A tool that connects personality types to career interests and job satisfaction.

RIASEC

The six types in Holland's model: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional.

Trait Theory

A psychological framework that describes individual personality traits and their influence on behavior.

Situationalist View

The perspective that personality expression depends on the interaction between the person and the situation.

Applications of Personality

How personality traits impact areas like relationships, mental health, and work performance.

Predictive Validity

The effectiveness of personality types in predicting job satisfaction and overall wellbeing.

Self-Actualisation

The process of realizing and fulfilling one's potential and creativity.

Congruence

Alignment between the real self and ideal self, leading to authenticity and well-being.

Incongruence

A mismatch between the real and ideal self, resulting in tension, anxiety, and conflict.

Self-Esteem

How much you like, value, or accept yourself, often influenced by others' perceptions.

Self-Image

The way you see yourself, including traits, strengths, and weaknesses.

Ideal Self

The person you aspire to be, encompassing your goals and aspirations.

Rogers’ Client-Centred Therapy

A therapeutic approach emphasizing empathy and unconditional positive regard to help clients align their real and ideal selves.

Hierarchy of Needs

A theory by Maslow that categorizes human motivation into five layers: physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualisation.

Meta-Needs (B-values)

Higher-level needs that include truth, beauty, wholeness, justice, playfulness, and self-sufficiency.

Social Identity Theory

The theory that part of our identity is influenced by the social groups we belong to.

In-group

The group to which an individual belongs, often associated with loyalty and pride.

Out-group

Groups that individuals do not belong to, which can lead to stereotyping and distrust.

Prosocial Behaviour

Actions intended to benefit others, typically associated with in-group dynamics.

Antisocial Behaviour

Actions that are harmful to others, often arising from out-group bias.

Mental Skills Training (MST)

A group of psychological tools that help individuals manage attention, emotions, and motivation to perform at their best.

SMART goals

A method of goal setting that is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Self-talk

The internal dialogue that can be positive or instructional, used to build confidence and self-control.

Imagery / Visualisation

Mentally rehearsing actions to strengthen neural pathways and increase confidence.

Relaxation & Breathing Techniques

Methods such as box-breathing and progressive muscle relaxation that reduce arousal and tension.

Pre-performance routines

Consistent rituals performed before a task to build focus and reduce anxiety.

Team Cohesion

The 'glue' that holds a group together, encompassing task and social cohesion.

Task Cohesion

A shared commitment to common goals among team members.

Social Cohesion

The trust, respect, and personal bonds created between team members.

Transformational leadership

A leadership style that motivates and empowers team members through encouragement and shared vision.

Collective Efficacy

The shared belief in a team's capabilities to perform successfully.

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

Using the best available evidence combined with professional judgment to make informed decisions.

Self-Regulation Cycle

An ongoing process of monitoring, evaluating, and adjusting one's performance.

Reflective journaling

A strategy for tracking personal patterns and enhancing self-awareness.

Growth mindset

The belief that setbacks can provide feedback and opportunities for learning rather than viewing them as failures.

Bioecological Model of Development

A framework created by Urie Bronfenbrenner, emphasizing the continuous interaction between individuals and multiple environmental systems, including biological factors and proximal processes.

PPCT Framework

Stands for Process, Person, Context, Time; it describes the dynamic elements influencing development.

Microsystem

Immediate environments such as family, peers, and school that directly influence a child's development.

Mesosystem

Connections between different microsystems, such as interactions between home and school.

Exosystem

Indirect influences on a child's development, including factors like parental work stress and local policies.

Macrosystem

Cultural, societal, and economic factors that affect an individual's development.

Chronosystem

Refers to the impact of time, including transitions and historical context on development.

Proximal Processes

Daily, reciprocal interactions with people, objects, and activities that are crucial for healthy development.

Genetics & Temperament

Biological factors that influence a child's emotional reactivity, coping strategies, and interactions.

Self-Concept & Identity

The developing understanding of oneself during adolescence, influenced by various psychological factors.

Secure Attachment Style

A type of attachment characterized by healthy emotional regulation and stability in relationships.

Growth Mindset

The belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work, promoting resilience.

Nurturing Parenting

Parenting that provides support and warmth, which helps to buffer stress in children.

Zone of Proximal Development

A concept describing the difference between what a learner can do without help and what they can do with help.

Mandatory Reporting

Legal obligation for professionals to report suspected cases of abuse or neglect.

Cultural Competence

The ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures.

Strengths-based approach

A practice focusing on the inherent strengths of individuals and families, rather than their deficits.

Multi-system support

The integration of various support systems, including families, schools, and health professionals, to assist children and youths.

Motivation

The internal processes that initiate, direct, and sustain behaviour toward achieving a goal.

Intrinsic Motivation

Behaviour driven by interest, enjoyment, or personal satisfaction; motivated by the activity itself.

Extrinsic Motivation

Behaviour driven by external rewards or pressures such as money, praise, or avoiding punishment.

Amotivation

A state where a person lacks motivation and doesn’t see a connection between actions and outcomes.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

A motivational theory proposing that humans have five levels of needs, arranged in a hierarchy where higher levels are pursued only once lower levels are satisfied.

Expectancy Theory

A theory stating that motivation depends on beliefs about effort, performance, and outcomes.

Job Satisfaction

A positive emotional state resulting from the evaluation of one’s job or work experiences.

Occupational Stress

Physiological and emotional strain from prolonged job demands.

Problem-Focused Coping

Directly addressing the source of stress, such as through time management.

Emotion-Focused Coping

Managing emotional responses to stress, such as through mindfulness or journaling.

Conflict

Occurs when individuals or groups perceive incompatible goals, values, or needs.

Intrapersonal Conflict

Conflict that occurs within the self, such as role conflict or ambiguity.

Interpersonal Conflict

Conflict that occurs between individuals due to differences in personality or values.