Week 7 Tutorial

  1. A deficit discourse is a mode of thinking that frames and represents Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity in a narrative of negativity, deficiency and failure. 

  2. A strengths based approach seeks to moves away from the traditional problem-based paradigm and offer a different language and a set of solutions to overcoming an issue.

  3. There are 11 strength based approaches. two of interest are strengths based counselling approaches and positive psychology and asset based. 

    • Strengths-based counselling approaches & positive psychology - prioritises capabilities, talents, competencies, hope, resources, optimism, & autonomy of individuals & communities when remedying challenging circumstances. 

    • Asset-based - Utilises existing positive attributes, characteristics, & resources of a person and/or community. 

  4. Potential compatibility with existing approaches. They have a focus on empowerment, health and self-determination, which are central to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander conceptions of health. The approaches can directly correlate with the ways of raising children’s self esteem and cconfiedence. Are a remedy to the narrative of deficit, disadvantage and negative stereotype. Can reduce stigmatism.

  5. It is Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Ear and Hearing framework. It ensures partnerships with communities and non-government stokeholds are in place to implement the three priority areas of health, early childhood development and schooling. 

  6. It has an impact on health and wellbeing, strengths-based approaches were the most common concept used and accepted as successful to counter deficit. Strengths-based approach is a conceptual framework for approaching health development and intervention, not a set of policies or programs. Strength-based approaches can be highly effective at shifting narratives of indigenous health & illuminating or providing alternatives. There are barriers to the strengths-based models.