Most evidence supporting Cognitive and Behavioral interventions has been generated in Global North contexts, often overlooking the realities of marginalized and at-risk populations in the Global South. These groups-such as street-connected youth, survivors of violence, displaced families, and individuals facing systemic poverty-require interventions that are responsive to cultural values, contextual constraints, and community strengths. This workshop will highlight the importance of contextualized and culturally sensitive adaptations of CBT. Drawing on case studies, empirical evidence, and practical experiences, it will explore how interventions can be tailored to foster resilience, engagement, and sustainability within vulnerable communities.
Outline: I. Global Context of CBT a. Expansion of CBT and limitations of WEIRD-based evidence b. Relevance for vulnerable populations in the Global South ________________________________________ II. Understanding Context and Vulnerability a. Structural inequalities (poverty, violence, displacement) b. Mental health as contextual and relational ________________________________________ III. Theoretical Framework a. Bioecological model (PPCT) b. Development as dynamic and context-dependent ________________________________________ IV. Ecological Engagement Approach a. Integration of research, intervention, and community b. Core principles: context, relationships, participation, ethics ________________________________________ V. Application to At-Risk Populations a. Case examples (e.g., street-connected youth) b. Engagement as a mechanism of change ________________________________________ VI. Adapting CBT in Context a. Cultural adaptation (surface and deep structure) b. Community-identified problems and participatory approaches ________________________________________ VII. Innovation and Implementation a. Flexible protocols and task-shifting b. Building sustainable and context-sensitive interventions ________________________________________ VIII. Implications for Practice and Training a. Contextualized evidence and practice b. Cultural humility and reflexivity ________________________________________ IX. Conclusions a. Importance of context in intervention effectiveness b. Toward equitable and globally relevant psychological science
Learning Objectives:
Explain the unique challenges of applying CBT with at-risk populations in resource-constrained settings.
Identify culturally responsive strategies for adapting CBT interventions. Explore participatory, community-based approaches that strengthen impact and sustainability.
Examine ethical and methodological considerations in Global South research and practice.
Generate collaborative pathways for integrating Global South perspectives into global CBT dialogue.
