Submitted by: Submitted by janet
Views: 723
Words: 1255
Pages: 6
Category: Philosophy and Psychology
Date Submitted: 09/12/2011 01:39 AM
Introduction
“Health is a crossroad: It is where biological and social factors, the individual and the
community, and social and economical policy all meet. In addition to having its own
intrinsic value, health is a means toward personal and collective realization; it is
therefore also an index of the success achieved by a society and its government
institutions in the search for well-being, which, after all, is the ultimate goal of
development” (Frenk, 1994;68).
In order to understand both the Public Health approach and the Community
Psychology approach, this paper aims to critically compare and contrast both
approaches to social problems.
Initially the Community Psychology approach and the Public Health approach are
discussed, followed by the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. Then
similarities and differences between the two approaches will be summarised .
The conclusion will explain whether the two approaches can complement each other
and if they can, how it can be done.
COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY APPROACH
Community psychology is concerned with mental health, moving towards prevention
rather than cure. Mental health focus on the prevention, immunisation against risk
for mental illness and skills-enhancement. Community Health is focused on
understanding behaviour of individuals as determined by traditions, customs and
beliefs specific to different communities.
Albee sees mental health and illness as part of a larger social phenomenon such as
poverty and exploitation. He focuses on community rather than individual psychology.
His vision is to model his thinking after the public health approach – preventing
diseases and socially harmful behaviours (Reader, 2002:84).
Important reform...