Origins of Community Psychology

Origins of community psychology

Index

1. Introduction 3

2. History of

2.1 Community Psychology 3

2.2 Public Health 3

3. About

3.1 Community Psychology 4

3.2 Public Health 4

4. Models/Phases of

4.1 Community Psychology 4

4.2 Public Health 5

5. Conclusion 6

6. Bibliography 7

1. Introduction

In this essay I wish to critically compare and contrast the community psychology and public health approaches to social problems by firstly discussing the history, as well as the connection of each approach to South Africa in this context. Thereafter I wish to elaborate what both the community psychology and public health approaches are all about and specifically discussing the main models and phases of each. Lastly I will attempt to conclude this essay by showcasing both the strengths and weaknesses of both the community psychology and public health approach, as well as conclude on where they are seen as radically different and in what ways they could supplement each other.

2. History of

1. Community Psychology

Community psychology was discovered during the various reform movements that occurred in the United States of America (U.S.A). Three of the most important movements that contributed to community psychology were, the moral treatment in the 1800’s, mental hygiene in the 1900’s and deinstitutionalisation in the 1960’s. It is said that community psychology was then formalised as a separate discipline at the 1965 at Swampscot Conference.

Although community psychology originated in the U.S.A, community psychology first came about in S.A around the 1980’s, but due to the fact that community psychology is not seen as being as well established as its counter parts, namely clinical, counselling, educational and research psychology. The success rate has been minimal. Despite this, it is important to note that community psychology is still developing in S.A.

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