Community Psychology is a branch of psychology which focus on to understand the individuals in relation to their cultural , social, political and economical environment.
It emphasizes the importance of collaboration with individuals, groups, and communities to address social issues and promote positive change. Community psychologists work to empower marginalized and oppressed groups by developing interventions that address systemic barriers to well-being and promote social justice. They work in a variety of settings, including community organizations, schools, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, to address issues such as poverty, discrimination, violence, and mental health.
Communities Models and its types
Community models are frameworks used in community psychology to understand and address community issues. These models can help identify community strengths and challenges, and guide the development of interventions that promote positive change. Here are some of the types of community models:
- Ecological Model: This model considers the complex interplay of individual, social, and environmental factors that influence behavior and well-being. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the context in which individuals live and work, and the impact of social systems and institutions on their lives.
- Empowerment Model: This model focuses on empowering individuals and communities to take action to address social issues and promote change. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration, participation, and community-led initiatives.
- Social Action Model: This model emphasizes the importance of social change as a means of promoting individual and community well-being. It emphasizes the need for community members to work together to identify and address systemic barriers to social justice.
- Participatory Action Research Model: This model emphasizes the importance of involving community members in the research process to address community issues. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration, participation, and community-led initiatives.
- Community-Based Participatory Research Model: This model is similar to the participatory action research model but places greater emphasis on community involvement in all stages of the research process, from identifying research questions to disseminating findings. It emphasizes the importance of building trust and fostering relationships between researchers and community members.
Characteristics of community psychology
1. Focus on Prevention:
Community psychologists emphasize prevention rather than just treatment. They work to prevent psychological problems and promote mental health by addressing the root causes of issues within communities.
2. Systems Perspective:
Community psychology takes a systems perspective, considering the interactions between individuals and their social, cultural, and physical environments. This approach helps in understanding the complexity of social issues.
3. Empowerment:
Empowering individuals and communities is a central goal. Community psychologists often work collaboratively with community members, empowering them to actively participate in identifying problems and developing solutions.
4. Social Justice and Advocacy:
Community psychologists are often advocates for social justice. They work to promote equality, human rights, and social inclusion, and they actively challenge social injustices and inequalities.
5. Research and Action:
Community psychologists engage in both research and action. They conduct studies to understand community issues and then use this knowledge to design and implement interventions aimed at creating positive social change.
6. Community Interventions:
Interventions in community psychology can range from creating social programs and policies to organizing community events and providing resources to those in need. The goal is to improve overall community well-being.
7. Prevalent Issues:
Community psychologists work on a wide range of issues, including mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, poverty, education, community development, and social isolation, among others.
8. Collaboration and Interdisciplinarity:
Community psychologists often collaborate with professionals from various disciplines such as sociology, public health, social work, and education to address complex community problems effectively.
9. Cultural Competence:
Considering cultural diversity is crucial in community psychology. Practitioners need to understand the cultural nuances of the communities they work with to develop effective interventions.
10. Evaluation and Feedback:
Continuous evaluation and feedback are essential components of community psychology interventions. Assessing the effectiveness of programs and making necessary adjustments are vital for long-term success.
History of Community Psychology
Community Psychology has its roots in the social and political movements of the 1960s and 1970s. During this time, many people were questioning traditional approaches to psychology, which were focused on individual pathology and treatment, and were not adequately addressing the social and political issues of the time.
In the early 1960s, community mental health centers were established to provide mental health services to underserved populations, such as people living in poverty and those experiencing discrimination. This led to the emergence of a new field of psychology focused on addressing social and environmental factors that contribute to mental health issues.
The term “Community Psychology” was coined in 1965 by psychologists Seymour Sarason and John W. Thibaut. The field gained momentum in the 1970s, with the establishment of the Society for Community Research and Action (SCRA), which is now Division 27 of the American Psychological Association (APA).
Community Psychology has continued to evolve since its inception, with an increasing focus on social justice and community empowerment. Today, Community Psychologists work in a variety of settings and are involved in research, program development, and policy advocacy to address social issues and promote positive change at the community level.
