What is community psychology? Learn everything! 

Community psychology is an area that has grown in recent years.

This is because understanding how individuals in society relate to problems is very important for general social well-being.

But how does community psychology work? Is it related to social psychology? What are the practices of this area of study? 

All these questions will be answered through the following content, as it was produced with the intention of presenting this area in its entirety.

So, to stay up to date on the subject, just come with us in this reading! 

What is community psychology?

When we talk about community psychology, many people immediately associate it with social psychology, and many even believe that it is the same thing.

But, it is important to say that community psychology is a branch of social psychology.

This means that community psychology functions as an area of study that aims to find explanations and solutions to social problems.

Thus, in this area the focus is not on an individual per se, or on social problems per se.

The true purpose is precisely to understand the interrelationship between society and the problem.

With that, the following questions are frequently asked:

• How does the problem arise? 
• How does it affect society?
• Which portion is most affected?
• Are there any extra issues that stem from this problem? 
• What are the long-term consequences of this damage?
• Is there an incidence of psychological disorders caused by the problem in society?

Therefore, it is easy to understand that this area consists of carrying out studies, research and actions to find reasons and solutions to problems.

These problems can be general, as well as they can be focused on a specific part of society.

If we consider that each individual is part of a group, and each group functions as a cog in society, a simple problem can cause serious damage.

Therefore, community psychology is a very important area, which sees issues beyond the political and individual perspective.

This is because everything is properly evaluated in order to understand how that loss originates and everything it affects.

This way, it is possible to seek solutions for the origin and for everything that the problem affects after that.

Community Psychology and Social Psychology 

Do you remember that we said that many people confuse community psychology with social psychology?

This happens because we are very used to understanding the words community and social as synonyms.

However, it is worth highlighting that when we talk about community, we are referring to something that considers a whole.

The concept of social is linked to actions that aim at social benefit.

Therefore, it is important to understand that social and community psychology are not exactly the same thing.

However, community psychology works as an arm of social psychology, that is, it is an area of activity within social psychology.

Considering that social psychology works through the assessment and resolution of psychosocial problems, community psychology has a lot to add.

But, as we have already mentioned, community psychology functions much more as an area of study.

Therefore, we can consider that this is an area of study and evaluation within social psychology, which also works through the promotion of actions, which are not limited to idealizations and interpretations.

How to work in community psychology?

By now you have a brief understanding of community psychology.

Therefore, it is easy to understand that this is an area of study that serves as a basis for social psychology.

Therefore, those who are adept at social activities certainly tend to be interested in the area.

So, let’s now explain how it is possible to enter the field of community psychology.

It is worth mentioning that there is no specific training for this area.

For this reason, it is necessary to invest in a degree in psychology, with a specialization in the social area.

By becoming a social psychologist, you will have the necessary foundation to start in the community area.

As we have already said, this is an area that is very focused on studies, so the best path to follow is the academic one.

Dissertations, research, master's degrees, doctorates and many other academic achievements can help you specialize to enter the field of community psychology.

As it is not an area that requires specific training, the more commitment and academic qualifications you have, the greater your chances of developing good studies.

Therefore, prioritize basic training and evolve with your specializations in the social area! 

Examples of community psychology practices

Understanding community psychology is not such a simple task for laymen.

And the reason for this is the fact that this is not a consolidated area of psychology, functioning as an arm of the social area.

Therefore, it may not be so easy to idealize the work of a social psychologist.

With this in mind, we have separated some examples of common practices in community psychology.

This will certainly help in a complete understanding of the area, as it allows you to see how it works in practice.

Check it out!

Social services 

Social services are a practice of social psychology, which aims to offer free or affordable services with the intention of facilitating access to mental health.

But, it is worth saying that when we talk about community psychology, we are also talking about study.

And what better way to locate and interpret community problems than through focused assessment? 

A simple consultation has a high power to provide information and material for studies in the social area.

After all, it is possible to assess the mental health of a given target audience, and how problems are developing in that individual's society.

Therefore, social services often serve as a resource for community studies! 

Research in society 

In addition to social services, research in society is also common in community psychology.

We consider that this area has studies as its focus, research is excellent material, as it offers more focused and clear results.

Field studies, interview research, information gathering and many other types are widely used in the area.

Therefore, if you find social research, know that there is community psychology work there.

This is because research serves as a basis for locating, interpreting and attempting to resolve social issues.

Creation of programs to promote social mental health 

It is a fact that community psychology does not focus on direct action.

This is because this is a branch focused on studies within social psychology.

But, as we have seen, the general idea of community psychology is to find and propose solutions to community problems.

Therefore, in many moments it is necessary to take action, creating programs.

These programs can be for promoting mental health, or for granting access to excluded sections of society.

Whatever the initiative, it will certainly offer good solutions to society, if it is based on concrete studies of real problems.

So, now that you know how this area works in practice, be sure to learn more about the subject, and perhaps invest in this area for your career! 

Roberta September 4, 2023