Theme 1.1: Definitions and conceptualization
Introduction to Psychological Interventions and Community Psychology
A history of community psychology in South Africa
Overview:
1.1. Introduction
1.2. The language of community psychology
1.3. The emergence of community psychology in South Africa
Social and political context and the response of organized psychology
Democratic change and the institutionalization of community psychology
1.4. Theoretical and conceptual roots of community psychology
1.5. Conclusion
1. Community Psychology is based on the assumption that
adverse health outcomes are caused by the ……
2. Community Psychology addresses conditions of …... and
….. in society.
3. Community Psychology targets the ……of analysis and
action.
,Definitions:
Poor health and well-being are the result of the social context.
Definition Elaboration
Health Health is a complete state of well-being that includes physical, mental and Implications of this definition of health
social well-being. Health is not merely the absence of infirmity. • This is a holistic view of health as a state of well-being.
• Goals with reference to health and well-being include disease prevention and health promotion.
• Risk and protective factors influence the health of the individual, group and community.
• Multi-level risk factors for poor health outcomes.
Well-being “A state of personal , relational and collective well-being. (Nelson & There are certain prerequisites to support the well-being of a population. These include:
Prilleltensky, 2005). Well-being is not merely a matter of individual • Basic physiological needs: food, clothing, shelter
health, and involves transactions between individuals, supportive • Social resources: peace, income, education
relationships and environments (Stokols, 2003). Wellbeing is a holistic • Physical resources: housing, access to clean water and sanitation.
state that includes physical, mental and social dimensions.
Psychological interventions must take into account…
Psychological interventions aim to to work together with an affected target • different dimensions of well-being
group to take actions to enhance or maintain their functioning and well- • multiple pathways of risk factors that impact well-being
being (Schilling, 1997) . • consider context, i.e., take an ecological approach.
Our goal is to understand the factors that impact well-being so that we can How do we account for differences in well-being between individuals, groups and communities?
move individuals, groups and communities along the continuum: This is done through context, meaning the differences in social circumstances of individuals, groups and
communities. Social factors that influence well-being include those that create inequalities in well-being,.
These social factors include differences in income, levels of education, ethnicity etc. Poverty is the most
salient social factor to cause ill-health.
Community Community psychology is: The importance of context
psychology - about understanding people within their social worlds A historical account of the development of community psychology (CP) can throw light on the socially
- and uses this understanding to improve people’s well-being. constructed nature of psychological terms and concepts we might take for granted. The sub-discipline of
- concerned with the relationship of the individual to communities and CP, also, doesn't exist outside the social and historical conditions out of which it arose. CP is not a value-
society. neutral discipline, like science in the conventional sense. Individuals must be understood in relation to
- seeks to understand and enhance the quality of life for individuals, their context. The individual forms part of a context or social environment that influences their wellbeing.
, Definition Elaboration
communities and society through collaborative research and action. Change is needed on each level and protective factors and interventions are put in place to ensure this.
Improving the environment
CP is based on the assumption that adverse health outcomes are caused by the environment. It targets the
individual and the community. The fundamental goal of community psychology is to implement change
and disrupt the perpetuation of inequality. It challenges conditions of oppression and inequality that
cause ill-health and well-being. It is about understanding people within their social worlds and uses this
understanding to improve people’s well-being. In community psychology, one looks at the whole picture
and how each level influences a person’s wellbeing.
Community An operational definition can be given where a community is regarded as a: (STSISII)
specific system of action which arises when
1. a human population settled in a given territory
2. establishes structural arrangements to organize itself on order to love and survive as a group.
3. It develops interactive relationships amongst its components,
4. defines shared ways of thinking, feeling and acting
5. which are internalized by all members of the population
6. and with which each individual identifies in a particular degree
7. according to their personal living experiences and inherited characteristics.
Community defined:
Community as a... Includes In operational definition
Location Interpersonal relationships in communities are often based on proximity. During the apartheid era, community as A human population settled in a given
referring to people in a specific geographical area was used to emphasize the differences between various racial territory
, Community as a... Includes In operational definition
groupings. It was also used by the Black Consciousness Movement to strengthen a sense of solidarity.
“Community” defined in this way can be described as:
• Demographic characteristics: the social characteristics of residents in the area, such as gender.
• Land use and quality of housing: the development in the area, such as high-density housing.
• Infrastructure or formed organizations: the development of organizations such as schools.
Network of social A community can be defined as a network of people who share some common characteristics or values and It develops interactive relationships amongst
relationships
interests. These people need not live in the same geographical area. With this in mind, a person can be seen as part its components,
of a community to the extent that the following characteristics are met:
• Membership: a feeling of belonging to a group.
• Influence: the extent of mutual influence between the person and the group.
• Fulfillment of needs: sharing of values and resources in the group in order to satisfy individual needs.
• Shared emotional connection: people feeling connected through shared emotional experiences.
A community can be regarded as social system comprising of various subsystems within it. These subsystems are
both interrelated and interdependent.
Construction of a Communities exist within history and ideology. This defines community as evolving and created through defines shared ways of thinking, feeling and
way of life
interaction. These shared experiences contribute to the creation of a common character or way of life, influenced acting
by the socio-historical context.
Sociopolitical The concept of community can reflect the political histories and beliefs in people. A community can form a and with which each individual identifies in a
organization
collective power structure that promotes a specific cause. For example, community members can promote safety particular degree according to their personal
and healthy living conditions. living experiences and inherited
characteristics.
www.irinnews.org/film/5005/Land-of-Dust
1. Which environments are portrayed in the film?
2. What are the risk factors that threaten the health and well-being of the various groups of people portrayed in the film?
3. What resources do this community have access to?
