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STUDENT NUMBER: 220586078

BSc Psychology, University of
London
Applications of Psychology (PL1015-
2024-APR)
Word count: 1018
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Gibbs’s Reflective Essay: “ADDRESSING OBESITY IN YOUNG ADULTS IN

APIA, SAMOA THROUGH ABA TECHNIQUE”

Description:

Over the course of this module, I have been deeply engaged in a project that explored

the application of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to address obesity in young adults in

Apia, Samoa. This project has been a significant learning journey, not only in terms of

understanding the psychological content involved but also in the process of developing and

presenting the project. The decision to focus on obesity in Samoa was motivated by the

urgent need to address this growing public health issue, particularly in a context where

traditional interventions may not be effective due to cultural differences. The project required

me to explore the intersection of psychology, culture, and health, challenging me to think

critically about how psychological theories can be adapted to meet the needs of diverse

populations.

Feelings:

At the outset of the project, I felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety. On one hand, I

was eager to apply psychological theories to a real-world issue and contribute to a field I am

passionate about. On the other hand, I was concerned about the potential challenges I might

face, particularly in conducting research in a context that was unfamiliar to me. Samoa, with

its unique cultural landscape and social norms, presented a set of challenges that I had not

previously encountered in my studies. I worried about my ability to design an intervention

that was not only effective but also culturally sensitive and appropriate. As the project

progressed, these feelings of anxiety began to diminish as I gained confidence in my ability to

apply ABA in a novel setting. The more I delved into the research, the more I appreciated the

complexities of the issue and the potential impact of a well-designed intervention. By the end
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of the project, I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride in the work I had done, coupled

with a deeper understanding of the importance of cultural sensitivity in psychological

practice.

Evaluation:

This project offered a valuable opportunity to apply psychological theories to real-

world problems, specifically using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to address obesity in

Samoa. By adapting ABA, typically used in autism treatment, to promote healthier behaviors,

I gained a practical understanding of how psychological concepts like environmental

modification, self-monitoring, and behavioral reinforcement can be tailored to diverse health

challenges. This experience underscored the importance of adapting interventions to the

cultural and socioeconomic context, especially in Samoa, where larger body sizes are

culturally valued. Through this project, I learned key lessons in research, project

management, and adaptability. Gathering relevant data on obesity and ABA's effectiveness in

Samoa proved challenging due to limited academic resources, emphasizing the need for

thorough research and diverse sources. The process also highlighted the importance of

cultural sensitivity and the limitations of applying Western psychological models without

considering local nuances. Overall, the experience reinforced the importance of perseverance

and resourcefulness in overcoming research obstacles.

Analysis:

One of the most significant challenges was ensuring the intervention was culturally

appropriate while grounded in sound psychological principles. This involved adapting

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to fit the Samoan context without compromising its

effectiveness. Adjustments were necessary to align the intervention with local factors like

communal living, food practices, and societal views on body weight. This experience taught
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me the importance of flexibility and creativity in applying psychological theories to real-

world problems, underscoring the need for cultural competence in psychological practice.

The development of this project highlighted the value of collaboration. Working with peers

and seeking feedback from instructors helped refine the intervention, offering perspectives I

had not initially considered. This collaborative effort improved the project's quality and

reinforced the importance of teamwork in academic settings.

Additionally, presenting the project challenged me to communicate complex

psychological concepts clearly and engagingly, balancing detail with accessibility. This

experience underscored the critical role of effective communication in psychology, especially

when addressing diverse audiences.

Conclusion:

Reflecting on the project, I realize that it was a significant learning experience that

taught me valuable lessons in cultural sensitivity, effective communication, and the

importance of collaboration. If I were to do the project again, I would allocate more time for

research and data analysis and seek earlier input from local stakeholders to ensure the

intervention's cultural relevance. I would also focus on improving my time management skills

to avoid the rushed timeline I experienced towards the end of the project.

Action Plan:

The experiences and lessons learned from this project will significantly inform my

approach to future projects. Firstly, I have gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of

cultural sensitivity in psychological interventions. This awareness will guide my approach to

designing and implementing interventions in diverse cultural settings. In future projects, I

will take the time to thoroughly research the cultural context before developing an

intervention, ensuring that it is both effective and respectful of the population it aims to serve.
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In future projects, I will continue to prioritize effective communication, ensuring that

complex concepts are presented in an accessible and engaging manner. This is particularly

important when working with stakeholders who may not have a background in psychology. I

will use visual aids, such as charts and infographics, to enhance understanding and make my

presentations more engaging.

Finally, the project highlighted the importance of collaboration and seeking feedback.

In future projects, I will actively seek opportunities to collaborate with peers and mentors, as

this not only enhances the quality of the work but also provides valuable learning

experiences. I will also be more proactive in seeking feedback throughout the project, rather

than waiting until the end. This will allow me to make improvements in real-time and ensure

that the final product is as strong as possible.

In conclusion, this project has been a significant learning experience that has

deepened my understanding of applied psychology and equipped me with practical skills and

insights that I will carry forward into future projects. The lessons learned—from the

importance of cultural sensitivity to the value of clear communication and effective

collaboration—will be invaluable as I continue my academic and professional journey.