Community Psychology?

[biogirl215]

---

Members don't see this ad.

This is a completely random, and likely, mind-numbingly stupid question, but what exactly IS community psychology? From the descriptions I've read of it, it seems a lot like macro-level social work and not actually a distinct field (usually combined with clinical/counseling programs, it seems.). Anyone have any insight/information on the realities of community psych.?

Thanks.

 

[JackD]

This is a completely random, and likely, mind-numbing stupid question, but what exactly IS community psychology? From the descriptions I've read of it, it seems a lot like macro-level social work and not actually a distinct field (usually combined with clinical/counseling programs, it seems.). Anyone have any insight/information on the realities of community psych.?

Thanks.

When i was at the university of illinois i took a community psychology class with the founder of the field. It was a regrettable class. I have tried to block much of it out of my mind but i will tell you what i remember.

It is actually a branch of clinical psychology (at least originally) that was founded in the 1960's. It is sort like a mix of clinical psychology, social psychology, sociology, and anthropology. They are big into prevention programs and helping to make communities more psychologically friendly, especially inner neighborhoods. They also set up half way houses and help reintegrate people from mental hospitals back into society. They were a big force in the deinstitutionalization movement. They are also the folks who pressure other psychological fields to be more sensitive of cultural differences.

Really it is a feel good, hippy kind of field. The kind that would make Carl Rogers proud. I think their goal is to prevent psychological problems and offer alternatives to hospitalization. Don't get me wrong, what they do is important, it just isn't my kind of thing.

 

[biogirl215]

Thanks for the info!

 

[empathiosis]

This is a completely random, and likely, mind-numbingly stupid question, but what exactly IS community psychology? From the descriptions I've read of it, it seems a lot like macro-level social work and not actually a distinct field (usually combined with clinical/counseling programs, it seems.). Anyone have any insight/information on the realities of community psych.?

Thanks.

Am usually wary of Wikipedia entries but the one for community psych seems pretty good: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_psychology