Answer to Question #295309 in Psychology for Heemin

Question

From an international perspective, how essential is the role of "context" in shaping community psychology?

Answer 1

How Essential is the role of Context in shaping Community Psychology.

To get a clear picture of the interactions between communities and individuals, community psychologists one can use an ecological–transactional model of community. This model explains the reciprocity between contexts and individuals, and it highlights the construction of settings and development of individuals over a certain period of time. Communities have normally been defined as relational, defined by shared goals, interests, activities or locality based where geographic boundaries define the community. Community psychologists consider multiple ecological levels of communities, as well as how and by whom communities are defined.

Community psychology is concerned with the relationship of individuals with communities and societies. By integrating research with action, it seeks to understand and enhance quality of life for individuals, communities, and societies. Unlike other fields in psychology, community psychology emphasizes working together with community members as partners in research or action. Compared to other psychological fields, community psychology involves a shift in perspective. The focus of community psychology is not on the individual alone but on how the individual exists within a web of contexts—encapsulating environments and social connections.

 

Community psychologists analyze social problems using ecological levels of analysis and encourage the application of second-order change to promote lasting change. Analyzing problems using ecological levels of analysis is critical for problem definitions and creating effective responses. For social and community issues, problems are not “solved” but changed. Every action creates new challenges, but these can be an improvement over time. Values are important in the field. They help clarify issues and choices in research and action, facilitate questioning of dominant views of social issues, and promote understanding how cultures and communities are distinctive. Community psychology is based on eight core values: empirical grounding, a multi-level strengths-based perspective, sense of community, respect for human diversity, collective wellness, empowerment and citizen participation, collaboration, and social justice. These eight core values are interrelated and at times competing. Open, collective conversation about the role of each core value in community research and action is critical to social improvement.

 

Refences.

Orford, J. (2008). Community psychology. John Wiley & Sons.

 Moritsugu, J., Wong, F., Duffy, K., & Vera, E. Community psychology.