Community Psychology Flashcards
What is community psychology?
It understands human behaviour with the ecological, historical, cultural, and sociopolitical contexts in which individuals interact. Looking at the social structures in which someone is able to function - systems based approach.
What is the type of intervention that community psychologists use?
They focus on second order change. Changing the systems and structures to improve a persons environment rather than first order change; changing an individual to fit the environment.
How do community psychologist conduct research?
They take an action-based approach where they ask people in communities what the issues are and how to help solve them. They are committed to reducing social inequalities, particularly with minorities.
What is a fundamental element of community psychology in terms of treatment?
As people change the system in which the individual is in the focus is on prevention rather than treatment.
What are the key foci of community psychology?
The focus on prevention through second order change
Social justice to achieve equitable distribution of access to resources, reduction of barriers to give equal opportunity and power, fair and equitable treatment.
Ecological approach
An individuals context and environment is connected.
What is the ecological framework of community psychology?
The levels of influence are individual, community and societal.
In the ecological systems framework, what are the levels of systems that exist and how is it applied?
Microsystems
Relationships with direct impact on individuals
Organisations
The context in which there relationships exist
Localities
The geographical context of organisations which have social economic and resource access implications.
Macrosystems
The cultural, political, and social factors that shape experience by influence of interrelated systems.
What are the relationship principles that exist in Kelly’s ecological model? remember: they are all interrelated.
Interdependence
All levels are connected
Adaptation
Focus on interaction between persons and environment to understand the effect of that environment.
Cycling of Resources
Resources that impact community growth.
Succession
Communities are in a constant process of change
What are the core values of community psychology?
Systemic approach to individual and family wellness
Sense of community
Respect for diversity
(sees people as the experts of their experience)
Social justice, empowerment and participation (distributive and procedural justice)
Collaboration and community strengths (collaborative and community strengths)
What is the sense of community theory and what are the 4 dimensions necessary to the development of a stronger sense of community?
The feeling that an individual is part of a larger dependable and stable structure. Through;
Membership - Clear boundaries of in and out group, emotional safety, belonging
Influence - Feeling one has impact to broader community
Integration and fulfilment of needs - A network that holds shared values
Shared emotional connection - participation in community specific rituals or ceremonies
What is a refugee, an invisible refugee, internally-displaced and an asylum seeker?
Refugee - a person with a well-founded fear of persecution
Invisible refugee - Intersection with other issues such as disability, gender, age, sexuality
Internally- displaced: Are within their home country but forced to leave (Afghanistan)
Asylum-seeker - Claims to be a refugee but has not be substantiated
What are the causes of 15% of the population living in poverty and inequality in Australia?
Australia’s social security system: Rates of Jobseeker and Youth Allowance have not increased.
Unemployment and Underemployment: Even though there is low unemployment rates there are less jobs than people looking for paid work.
Increased costs of living, especially housing
What are the psychological impacts of poverty?
Elevated rates of mental illness
Lower subjective well-being and self esteem
Lower satisfaction in life and relationships
Poorer physical health
Social isolation
