Introductions

Dr Matamela Nyambeni
Lecturer/ Clinical Psychologist
Department of Psychology
Office 12-16
[email protected]
Outcomes of the Module

Understanding of Community Psychology: Develop a foundational knowledge of

community psychology, its evolution, and its role in promoting health and wellbeing in various
societal contexts.

Knowledge of Theories: Grasp the distinctive theories of community psychology that delve
into individual, group, and community interactions within specific contexts.

Contextual Relevance: Understand the relevance of community psychology in the context of

South African sociopolitical transformation, particularly in relation to power dynamics and the
country's societal framework.

Psychosocial Problem Solving: Acquire the skills to address and navigate psychosocial
problems in complex communities, aiming to empower individuals at various levels.
Outcomes of the Module

Grasp of Key Concepts: Familiarize with the definitions, values, principles, and key concepts
integral to community psychology.

Applicability in South African Society: Analyze the application of community psychology

principles and theories in the South African context, especially in the areas of social change and
psychosocial issues, considering a multi-cultural perspective.

Integrate Theory and Practice: Attain the ability to synthesize and integrate theory,
research, and practice in the field of community psychology, fostering a holistic understanding.
Community engagement or site visit
Class 1- Introduction to Community
Psychology
 Define and interrogate the concept
of community and Community
Psychology
Distinguish between
Community Psychology and
mainstream psychology
Reflect on the history and
Learning continuous development of the
Outcome discipline of Community
Psychology
s Understand the values,
characteristics, and competencies
of Community Psychology
Describe the few aspects of your
own community and your
relationship with the community.
 The importance of studying
Community Psychology
Prepares you for Post Graduate Studies (Honours and Masters)
Prepares you for any career which you may have to do community
development work
Opportunities for careers in community work, for example

Lay counselling
Community Facilitator
Programme Officers
The Jamestown Community Project

Case study 1.1 on Page 1-2

It will be attached on Click up for your reading..

Is an example of community psychology problems

Depicts the involvement of community stakeholders
Depicts the community psychology models utilized in the community
As well as the intervention methods developed in the community for the community.
 What is Community Psychology

"Community" and "psychology"- The integration of the two contradictory concepts

Community – People coming together

Psychology- Concerned with the health of individuals

The integration of the two concepts –Community Psychology - Focus on the study of
interaction between individuals at multiple levels i.e. family, friends, workplace,
school, neighborhood and any social contexts that people live in.
The individual must be understood within the context of this relationships
Definitions of Community Psychology

Difficulty with capturing a specific definition

due to the complexities inherent in the work.
Concerned with understanding people in the context of
their communities using a variety of interventions to
facilitate change and improve mental health and social
conditions for individuals, groups, organizations, and
communities.
It is a value driven action oriented field focused
on reducing oppression and supporting wellbeing at
all levels.
Definitions of Community Psychology

An approach to understanding and solving

community, organizational, and societal
problems by applying well established
psychological principles and techniques
Studies the relationship of individuals with
communities and societies through action research
in order to enhance the quality of life of communities
and its individuals
Can be considered as a Critical Liberatory Approach
to Psychology as it carries a social justice and a
liberatory approach.
Definitions of Community Psychology

It also focuses on ethical values of social justice,

paying attention to diversities, prevention, systemic
frameworks, empowerment and democratic
participation.
It also focuses on ethical values of social justice,
paying attention to diversities, prevention, systemic
frameworks, empowerment and democratic
participation.
The importance of the concept of social
“context” in Community Psychology
The social context in which people live can impact their lives

Behaviour needs to be understood within that context

It is the context that gives meaning to behaviours

It is the canvas against which individual and collective behaviours can be

understood

It may lead to a broader understanding of individual functioning to provide a

more effective solutions or interventions to resolve problems

Reflection Question

Think of an area in which

you come from and the
problems that are rife
there? How would you
define Community
Psychology within your
context?
 Key Characteristics of
Community Psychology
Social Relevance: Socially responsive
psychological praxis/practice that deals with the real
issues that people experience
Ecological Conceptualisation-People's behaviours
can only be understood in terms of the interactions of
the systems they live in, for example their social
and physical environments for example,
homelessness not only a result of individual or family
problems, but can also be the result of a lack of
affordable housing
 Key Characteristics of Community
Psychology
Action-Orientated: uses psychological
principles to promote healthy quality of life and
wellbeing- Uses psychological principles and
techniques to prevent problems.
Value Driven: Promotes values of social justice
and collaborations
"Continue reading about some of the characteristics
and competencies of community psychology on
Chapter 1 (page 11)"
 Difference between Community
Psychology and mainstream Psychology
Sociology studies societies-but without focus on
developing interventions and implementing them
Social work focuses more on changing the immediate
conditions in which people live
Clinical Psychology focuses on treating one individual at a time
Community psychology studies the interaction of
individuals with their communities, determines what
and where the problems are located, examine how
community characteristics, culture,and internal and
external resources can be utilized to enhance quality of
life.
 Definition of
"Community" within Community Psychology
The concept of “community” is viewed
differently in community psychology.
In History community was spoken of in racial terms
such as Black, White, Coloured people and so forth.
In Community Psychology, community is
defined beyond this limited views.
Community as a location

Traditionally a community is defined as a group of people in a

geopolitical area and physical area with demarcation around
the
neighbourhoo
A
d. community defined in terms of geographical area can be
described in terms of the following:
Demographic characteristics: The social characteristics of residents
in the area such as gender, social class or family life cycle
Land use and quality of housing: high density housing,
informal settlements, or large farms
Infrastructure or formed organizations: the development
of organizations such as schools, churches or shops.
 Community as a network
of social relationships
Can be defined as a network of people who share common characteristics or values or interest.

Don’t need to live in the same area but can work together and belong in to a social

organizations A person becomes part of the community when they feel:

Membership-A feeling of belonging to a group
Influence- The extent of mutual influence between the person and the group

Fulfilment of needs: Sharing of values of resources to satisfy individual members Shared

emotional connection: People feeling connected through shared emotional

experiences.
Communities as a construction of a
way of life
Communities are socially constructed – meanings are constructed
within the communities
They exist within history and ideology-
They are socially constructed, created and evolving through
interaction
Community becomes a space in which crisis and possibilities,
interrelatedness of people, ideas and issues can be encountered.
The common experiences contribute to the creation of a common
character or a way of life (shared experiences).
Examples include religious communities, Coloured fishing
communities, Afrikaner Agricultural communities
 Community as a
sociopolitical organisation
oThe concept of community has a sociopolitical meaning that reflects the political
histories and beliefs of people in a given context.

oA community can form a collective power structure that promotes a specific

cause and influences decision making

oi.e. activist groups, social change group, movements/ pro-choice/ pro-life

movements
 Development of Community
Psychology
- This developing in South
Community Africa
Psychology movement aimed
- To extend the provision of mental health ser-vice a to all
citizens
-Transform the conceptualization of psycho-social problems
-Transform psychological service delivery into a contextually
appropriate service
- Address interracial tensions, social class inequalities,
public policy and empowerment
- Redefine the role of psychologists to embrace advocacy, policy
formation, mobilizing and networking (Lazarus & Seedat, 1995).
 Values and Goals of
Community Psychology
Values are deeply held ideals about what is considered moral,
right, or good.
They can influence goals and their means to achieve these
goals.
The core values and goals of Community Psychology revolve
around enhancing well-being and promoting social justice by
fostering collaboration and empowerment.
 Values and Goals of
Community Psychology
Promotion of health and wellbeing
Includes the prevention of physical and mental
health problems.
Emphasizes the promotion of strengths and
competencies on all community levels
(individual, interpersonal, and communal level).
It is proactive in nature
Examples are- mental health awareness
programmes and life skills programmes offered to
individuals with different identities.
 Values and Goals of
Community Psychology
Sense of community
A perception of similarity to others, a feeling of
belonging, a sense of being able to rely and contribute
to a larger dependable structure and mutual
commitment.
This creates a “shared emotional connection”
therefore developing a sense of community.
A sense of community promote wellbeing, feelings of
belonging, and promote social support or self-help
groups.
For example, A support group of women with GBV
histories, Addiction Support Groups- Abortion Support
 Values and Goals of
Community Psychology
Self determination, participation and empowerment
The focus of community psychology is to foster self determination
and participation to promote empowerment in communities.
Getting people to believe in their own capacity to solve their own
problems and mobilizing them to participate in community decision
making (Think about your own community and how you can
achieve this)
On a community level, empowerment include the process by
which structural conditions are modified so that a relocation of
power can happen
Collaborative relationships, facilitation of resource use and sensitivity
to diversities are necessary for empowering interventions to occur.
 Values and Goals of
Community Psychology
Respect for human diversity and dignity
Human diversity is considered the strength in which
communities lies (Because of the diverse perspectives
that comes from different members of the
community)
Acceptance of diversity of people based on age,
gender, ethnicity, or racial identity, sexual orientation,
religion, ability or disability, socioeconomic status and
so forth.
Emphasis is on the respect of all people and
encouraging them to maintain their
distinctiveness.
 Values and Goals of
Community Psychology
Respect for human diversity and dignity
Community interventions needs to be tailored
according to the diverse identities in the communities
i.e. lived experiences (A big focus of research is in
including people of diverse identities with lived
experiences)
 Values and Goals of
Community Psychology
Social Justice is the recognition that people share
a common humanity, and therefore everyone should
have equal economic, political, and social rights and
opportunities
(equitable allocation of resource, opportunities,
obligations, and power in a community)
Community psychology aims to eliminate
inequality, oppression and discrimination by
changing the foundation (unjust systems) of
institutions in the communities
Without the fulfillment of social justice, other values
and goals will not be met.
The field of application (intervention
models) of community psychology.
Mental Health Model-
Social Action Model
Liberation or psycho-political
model
The field of application (intervention
models) of community psychology.
Mental Health Model
Emphasis is on mental health
Interventions are provided to individuals and groups to
improve their mental health
Psychologist-Consultant- helping clients or advising
other professionals on curating service delivery
strategies to develop support and promoting wellbeing
in the community.
It is built on health promotion, caring and compassion
as underlying values.
For example- developing support groups for people
The field of application (intervention
models) of community psychology.
Social Action Model
Working and mobilising the community groups to bring
out change in structures and procedures that inhibit
their wellbeing.
To advocate for the rights of the oppressed groups
To promote their inclusions into existing institutions
Bottom-up approach- grassroots level
Brings about change in the organisational and
community levels to address living conditions.
Promotes the value of empowerment and self-
The field of application (intervention
models) of community psychology.
Liberation or Psycho-Political Model
Emphasizes the influence of social structures,
institutions, and ideologies on the lives of individuals
and society.
Building partnerships and working with oppressed
people to raise their awareness of inequalities and to
advocate for changes in oppressive structures, or
relationships that perpetuate inequality, oppression
and discriminations.
The field of application (intervention
models) of community psychology.
Liberation or Psycho-Political Model
Psychologists must address these social injustices to
be effective in their prevention and health promotion
efforts.
This approach involves macro-level interventions such
as tackling cultural meanings assigned to gender roles
and racism, and promoting social change movements,
grassroots community organization, human rights, and
political action.
The field of application (intervention
models) of community psychology.
Liberation or Psycho-Political Model
Prilleltensky (2008) introduced the concept of psycho-
political validity, which assesses how well actions
and research contribute to community change
emphasizing the importance of awareness of the
influence of power in wellness, oppression and
liberation at personal, relational, and collective
domains.
Projects should be evaluated for their transformational
validity, making this approach particularly relevant and
effective in the South African context, given its history
 The role of the community
psychologist
The role is usually based on the practitioners
'values, belief system, professional orientation, and
the needs and assets/strengths in the community.
The relationship between the psychologist and
the community is also a determining factor of
the role chosen.
 The role of the community
psychologist
The roles may include
A participant-conceptualiser involved in the community processes trying to
under- stand and change processes from the frame-work of psychological
knowledge (Mental Health Model)
A human service manager organising or providing services directly where the
people are (Mental Health Model)
An educator or trainer providing skills to volunteers or community members
(Mental Health Model)
A consultant or advisor as an important point of entry into a community
(Mental Health Model)- starting support groups for different problems
A social change agent or activist facilitating change in a setting or with policies
that disempower people (Liberation or Psycho-political Model)- i.e TAC and The
Me-Too movement
A researcher or evaluator understanding problems, being attentive to social
system dysfunctions or attempting to improve systems through action research (all
models)
 Continuum of Roles of Psychologists

Community Psychologist can be included in the following roles

Treatment of illnesses- Hospitalisations- Crisis Management

Prevention- Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Prevention

Health Promotion- Development of Health and Wellbeing

Social Action- Consultation and Advocacy

Social Transformation Activism, Policy and Transformation

 Competencies needed to work
with communities by Akhurst
Requires more than cognitive skills- incorporating
one’s emotions, social capacities, motivations, beliefs
and attitudes.
Akhurst conceptualized competencies needed to work in
communities. They are explained using the acronym RASP

Relational foundations
Activity evolution (Action research on decision made by
the community)
Self-management
Process – awareness and influences
 Competencies needed to work
with communities by Akhurst
Relational foundations or “person-centred skills” include
respect, listening and building rapport, and being non-
judgmental.
In community settings it is helpful to be flexible and open,
to encourage exploratory collaboration and co-creation.
Activity evolution described the unfolding of activities, based
upon co-construction and participation (including forms of
action research). To allow process of collaborations and
participations from the community.
It focused on people’s strengths, the trainees’
responsiveness to people’s needs and ways of adapting
psychological tools (from other parts of the discipline).
 Competencies needed to work
with communities by Akhurst
Self-management is important because
trainees/community psychologists can experience
anxieties and other emotional responses.
Self-management develops through reflective practice,
during both pair-wise discussions and group supervision
sessions.
Eco-systemic ideas-development of process sensitivities,
taking broader views, while also becoming more aware of
structural inequalities.
Making the work to clearly be based upon psychological
theory, training and praxis.
Reflections

Think of what would be a barrier for you in working

in Community Psychology
Why is that considered a barrier
What can you do about it
Questions to consider

Discuss why the value of “respect for human

diversity” and dignity is considered a strength in
which community psychology lies
How can social justice look like in your community in
the context of the problems.
Why is “context” considered important in community
psychology
Next Class

Next class- Decolonisation of (Community)

Psychology