Community psychology an integrating approach to mental health

Community psychology is a branch of psychology that emphasizes the importance of social and cultural context in the mental health and well -being of people. This discipline seeks to understand and address psychological problems from a collective perspective, promoting the development of skills and resources that help communities face and overcome the challenges they face.

In this article, we will explore the foundations of community psychology, its objectives, methods and practical applications in everyday life.

Content

• Fundamentals of Community Psychology
• Working methods and research in community psychology
• Practical applications of community psychology
• What do community psychologists work?
  • Bibliographic references

Fundamentals of Community Psychology

Community psychology arose in response to the limitations of traditional approaches in psychology, which focused mainly on the individual and their internal processes. This discipline Recognizes that people do not live in isolation, but are immersed in social, cultural and economic networks that influence their mental health and well -being. Therefore, community psychology seeks to analyze the interaction between people and their environment, and how these factors contribute to the appearance and maintenance of psychological and social problems.

Basically work with knowledge of other disciplines including the Sociology, Political Science, Public Health, Transcultural Psychology and Social Psychology. Psychologists who work in this field study cultural, economic, social, political and environmental life and the way they have to influence the lives of people worldwide.

Although community psychology emerged largely with the intention of locating mental health problems within the individual, Community psychologists seek threats to mental health in the social environment, or in the lack of adjustment between individuals and their surroundings. They usually advocate social change, rather than individual change. They focus on health and not on the disease, and on the improvement of individual and community competences.

Community psychology is based on several fundamental principles that guide their approach and practice:

1. Ecological approach: People and communities are considered within their social, economic, political and cultural context, recognizing the interaction between the different levels of the ecosystem (individual, family, community, institutional and social).
2. Empowerment: Community psychology seeks to promote the empowerment of individuals and communities, promoting active participation in decision -making and the development of skills to address the problems they face.
3. Diversity and inclusion: Cultural, ethnic, gender and other forms of diversity is valued and respected, advocating equity and inclusion in all aspects of community life.
4. Prevention and promotion: Community psychology emphasizes problems prevention and the promotion of well -being, instead of focusing solely on the treatment of disorders or intervention after problems have arisen.

Working methods and research in community psychology

Community psychology uses a variety of methods to address mental health and well -being problems in communities. Some of these methods include:

1. Participatory research: Participatory research implies collaboration between researchers and community members, who work together to identify and address the problems that affect their well -being.
2. Community interventions: These interventions seek to address risk factors and promote well -being in communities, through programs and projects that involve community members in their design, implementation and evaluation.
3. Education and training: Community psychology also focuses on the education and training of professionals and community leaders, providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to address mental health and well -being problems in their communities.

It can be useful to describe community psychology to distinguish it from other disciplines with which it is related. For example, it is similar to clinical and mental health psychology, but focused on the community and its action orientation. That is, it aims to promote human well -being.

Community psychology uses a variety of research and action methods, which include:

1. Participatory research: Community members are actively involved in the research process, from the identification of problems to the implementation and evaluation of solutions.
2. Programs evaluation: Existing programs and policies are evaluated to determine its effectiveness and recommend improvements.
3. Interventions development: Interventions are designed and implemented at the community level, based on evidence and adapted to local needs and characteristics.
4. Training and support: Community members are trained and supported to become agents of change in their own communities.

Practical applications of community psychology

Community psychology has been applied in a wide variety of contexts and problems, which include:

1. Mental health and disorders prevention: Promote emotional well -being and prevent mental health disorders in communities at risk.
2. Prevention of violence and promotion of peace: Addressing violence and promoting peace in communities affected by conflicts and violence.
3. Community development and poverty reduction: Facilitate the economic and social development of marginalized communities

What do community psychologists work?

Depending on training, experience and preferences, community psychologists can work in various specialized areas that include:

1. Investigation: Community psychologists can carry out research to understand the problems and challenges that communities face and develop evidence -based solutions.
2. DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PROGRAMS: They work on the development, implementation and evaluation of community programs and interventions to address specific problems, such as violence prevention, women's empowerment, mental health promotion or improvement in the quality of life of older people.
3. Consulting and advice: They can act as consultants for governmental, non -governmental and community organizations, providing advice and support in the planning, implementation and evaluation of community projects and initiatives.
4. Education and training: Community psychologists can work in the training and education of professionals, students and community members on issues related to community psychology, such as leadership skills, conflict resolution and community development.
5. Politics and advocacy: They participate in the formulation of policies and the promotion of changes at local, regional or national level, advocating community -based approaches to address social and health problems.
6. Community work: Community psychologists can work directly with communities, establishing relationships, identifying needs and collaborating with community members and other professionals to implement solutions.
7. Public health and health promotion: They work on the design and implementation of health promotion and disease prevention strategies.

Community psychologists can work in a variety of organizations and environments, such as universities, research institutions, non -governmental organizations (NGOs), government agencies, hospitals, community health centers, community -based organizations and international organizations and international organizations.

Bibliographic references

• Montero, m. (2004). Introduction to Community Psychology: Development, Concepts and Processes. Buenos Aires: Paidós.
• Sánchez Vidal, A., Lois Palacín, M., & Morales Rodríguez, F. M. (2003). Community Psychology: Fundamentals and Applications. Madrid: New Library.
• Jiménez Burillo, F. (2001). Community Psychology and Health. Madrid: UNED.
• Martín-Baró, i. (1994). Social Psychology of War: Trauma and Therapy. San Salvador: UCA Editores.
• Alvarado, s. J., & Pérez, and. (2009). Community Psychology Manual. Mexico: Autonomous University of the State of Mexico.
• Rappaport, j., & Seidman, and. (2000). Community Psychology Manual: The theory and practice of community intervention. Barcelona: Paidós.
• Rodríguez Aroccho, W. (2013). Community intervention in contexts of cultural diversity. San Juan, Puerto Rico: SM Editions.