Open AccessEcological framework for social justice advocacy by behavioral health professionals in public healthcare.
Author(s) -
Alison M. Pickover,
Lucy J. Allbaugh,
Shufang Sun,
Michelle T. Casimir,
Chanda C. Graves,
Keith Wood,
Rachel J. Ammirati,
Jordan E. Cattie,
Dorian A. Lamis,
Nadine J. Kaslow
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
psychological services
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1939-148X
pISSN - 1541-1559
DOI - 10.1037/ser0000388
Subject(s) - superordinate goals , health care , public relations , ecological systems theory , public health , economic justice , political science , multitude , psychology , sociology , ecology , nursing , medicine , social psychology , law , biology
In recent years, behavioral health professionals have expressed increased interest in engaging in social justice advocacy in public health care systems. In this article, we use an ecological framework to explore opportunities for social justice advocacy in such systems and challenges associated with such efforts. We propose that ecological models are well-suited to conceptualize and address the various contexts that affect behavioral health needs, and we emphasize the importance of considering the multitude of increasingly superordinate systems within which behavioral health professionals work when pursuing advocacy initiatives. We outline the central tenets of ecological models, apply them to social justice advocacy, and provide examples of advocacy within and across ecological systems. Finally, we reflect on future directions for behavioral health professionals interested in using an ecological framework to guide their own advocacy efforts, with and on behalf of patients and communities, in public health care systems and affiliated institutions.