Working with children and young people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Northern Ireland – An explorative study of Educational Psychologists' experience.
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| Title: | Working with children and young people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Northern Ireland – An explorative study of Educational Psychologists' experience. |
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| Authors: | Andrae, Lena (AUTHOR), Regan, Hassan (AUTHOR), Burns, Stephanie (AUTHOR), Rushe, Teresa (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Educational & Child Psychology. Sep2025, Vol. 42 Issue 3, p59-85. 27p. |
| Subjects: | Cultural humility, Cultural competence, Minors, Capacity building, Educational psychologists, Qualitative research, Cultural pluralism |
| Geographic Terms: | United Kingdom, Northern Ireland |
| Abstract: | Aim This study explores the experience of educational psychologists (EPs) working with culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) children and young people (CYP) in Northern Ireland (NI). The aim is to use the learning to support EPs in: assessing and evaluating their own practice and cultural humility when supporting CLD groups, reflecting on cultural responsiveness in their work and how to develop this, and ultimately to provide better outcomes for CLD CYPs in their care. Rationale A research gap exists regarding culturally competent / cultural humility in educational psychology practice within the UK, particularly in NI. The findings may be relevant to other geographic regions which are becoming increasingly culturally and linguistically diverse. Method Data was collected via an online survey of EPs in NI (N=33), followed by semi structured interviews (N=4). Survey responses were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Finding EPs report relatively strong agreement with statements related to the importance and implications of cultural and linguistic considerations in practice, suggesting that EPs demonstrate an overall level of cultural competence and humility. EPs describe relatively low levels of confidence, competence, awareness, and knowledge in the work with CLD CYP and regarding their level of professional cultural competence. Key themes highlight an awareness of knowledge gaps, a need for guidance and resource, the necessity of cultural humility regarding conscious incompetence, and time pressures impacting aspects of current practice. Conclusion: EP adapt and adjust to increasingly culturally and linguistically diverse communities, EPs are aware of gaps in their knowledge, experience, confidence and will require time, training, resource, service level focus, opportunity, exposure, and motivation to encourage feelings of cultural competence and pride. Limitations: The findings may not allow for quantitative generalisation or qualitative transferability due to small participant numbers in both strands; however, findings can be used as indicator of broader trends and perceptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | Aim This study explores the experience of educational psychologists (EPs) working with culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) children and young people (CYP) in Northern Ireland (NI). The aim is to use the learning to support EPs in: assessing and evaluating their own practice and cultural humility when supporting CLD groups, reflecting on cultural responsiveness in their work and how to develop this, and ultimately to provide better outcomes for CLD CYPs in their care. Rationale A research gap exists regarding culturally competent / cultural humility in educational psychology practice within the UK, particularly in NI. The findings may be relevant to other geographic regions which are becoming increasingly culturally and linguistically diverse. Method Data was collected via an online survey of EPs in NI (N=33), followed by semi structured interviews (N=4). Survey responses were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Finding EPs report relatively strong agreement with statements related to the importance and implications of cultural and linguistic considerations in practice, suggesting that EPs demonstrate an overall level of cultural competence and humility. EPs describe relatively low levels of confidence, competence, awareness, and knowledge in the work with CLD CYP and regarding their level of professional cultural competence. Key themes highlight an awareness of knowledge gaps, a need for guidance and resource, the necessity of cultural humility regarding conscious incompetence, and time pressures impacting aspects of current practice. Conclusion: EP adapt and adjust to increasingly culturally and linguistically diverse communities, EPs are aware of gaps in their knowledge, experience, confidence and will require time, training, resource, service level focus, opportunity, exposure, and motivation to encourage feelings of cultural competence and pride. Limitations: The findings may not allow for quantitative generalisation or qualitative transferability due to small participant numbers in both strands; however, findings can be used as indicator of broader trends and perceptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 02671611 |
| DOI: | 10.53841/bpsecp.2025.42.3.59 |
