Core principles of community psychology and social change

An Ecological Approach
Community psychology uses an ecological or systems approach, recognizing that individuals are inseparable from their social networks and communities. According to Dalton, Elias & Wandersman (2012), community psychology also works with seven core values. Those values include individual and family wellness, a sense of community, respect for human diversity, social justice, empowerment and citizen participation, collaboration and community struggle, and empirical grounding. Thus, community psychology can be viewed as an interface between traditional individualistic psychology, sociology, and social work. Community psychology has been called a “common sense” approach given its broad focus on the ecological connections between individuals and their environments (Scileppi, Teed & Toerres, 1999, p. 1). Rather than focus only on individual variables, community psychologists take into account multiple dimensions and contextual constraints and influences on human behavior, identity, and relationships.
Using a systems or ecological approach also transforms the nature of the social scientist’s work in community psychology. The community psychologist does not just work with individual clients, although that is certainly possible. A community psychologist forges strategic alliances with other members of the individuals community, including formal and informal social structures and organizations (Society for Community Research and Action, 2018). The community psychologist aims not just to transform individual lives but also to improve the overall health and wellness in the community, promote public health and safety, and change social norms and values to promote social justice and human rights. Community psychology is also based on evidence and empiricism. Yet research is purposeful and action-driven, and may involve tangible results in terms of public policy outcomes, building community resilience, or changing practices in the workplace or educational environments.
Understanding and Embracing Diversity
As a central value in community psychology, diversity is the cornerstone of healthy communities and the cultivation of strong personal identities. However, respect for diversity does not imply moral relativism but does recognize the need to embrace universal human rights and ethical principles (Dalton, Elias & Wandersman, 2012). By extension, a community psychologist keeps in mind the goal of social justice when working with individuals and organizations in the community. Individual experiences with discrimination are situated within the broader social context, using the ecological approach of community psychology. Likewise, discrimination is contextualized, viewed not as the skewed beliefs and behaviors of single individuals but as systemic issues rooted in outmoded or dysfuncational belief systems. A community psychologist can work to prevent or mitigate problems related to discrimination in a community experiencing demographic shifts, or offer evidence-based consultation to organizations and institutions grappling with the challenges of a diverse social landscape. Diversity is also framed as a core strength in community psychology, even as it entails reaching out to multiple community organizations to promote understanding and cross-cultural awareness. For community psychologists, diversity awareness will encompass racial, ethnic, linguistic, religious, gender identity, physical and mental disabilities and more.
Social Context and Preventative Interventions
One of the main focuses in community psychology is on taking preventative action, identifying risk factors and preventing crises before they arise in the community or the individuals that comprise it. Problems such as substance abuse, crime and delinquency, or violence are treated not at the individual level only, although individuals may manifest some of the problems that are systemic in the community. Using theoretical orientations from sociology, such as social disorganization or conflict theories, community psychologists recognize how variables like access to mental health services, poverty, or public infrastructure all contribute to the genesis of or solution to psychological and social problems. The community psychologist may also focus on microsystems in the community, such as private or public organizations (Dalton, Elias & Wandersman, 2012). A collaborative approach to problem identification and resolution is also critical for community psychologists. Especially given the commitment to recognizing and respecting diversity, community psychologists use consensus and collaboration as key methods in conflict resolution and preventative action.
Group Dynamics, Action Research, and Social Change
The crux of community psychology is group dynamics: how individuals function in various group settings. Depending on individual identity, group dynamics may differ significantly in schools versus workplaces or religious institutions (Society for Community Research and Action, 2018). The action research component of community psychology blends the best practices of social science empiricism with public policy and organizational psychology. For example, qualitative methods of data collection such as focus groups would be used to address the problems in a community experiencing anti-Semitism or anti-Islam behaviors (Dalton, Elias & Wandersman, 2012). Ultimately, the goal of community psychology will be to affect social change. The nature of that change could be the tangible reduction in incidences of bullying or oppression, to promote gender equity, or to increase overall civic pride. Of course, community psychologists also address mental health issues like depression or substance abuse as they are manifestations of community-level problems. Helping individuals and communities simultaneously, a community psychologist can have a profound and meaningful effect on transforming social norms, values, and behavioral outcomes.








References
Dalton, J.H., Elias, M.J., Wandersman, A. (2012). Community psychology: linking individuals and communities. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage.
Scileppi, J.A., Teed, E.L. & Torres, R.D. (1999). Community psychology: a common sense approach to mental health. Pearson.
Society for Community Research and Action (2018). What is community psychology? http://www.scra27.org/what-we-do/what-community-psychology/