Community Psychology Overview

Questions and Answers

What distinguishes community psychology from traditional treatment approaches to mental health?

It primarily targets psychological problems as illnesses.

It focuses solely on individual therapy.

It does not consider population-level issues.

It emphasizes public health rather than treating individuals. (correct)

Which of the following interventions is NOT identified as part of the public health approach in community psychology?

Identifying individuals with mental illness post-crisis. (correct)

Shifting treatment focus from individuals to the community.

Consulting with institutions to improve mental health climate.

Extending existing practices to underserved populations.

What is meant by the 'seeking mode' in community psychology?

Deferring action until apparent mental health crises emerge.

Focusing solely on psychological assessments of individuals.

Proactively assessing and addressing community problems. (correct)

Waiting for individuals to approach for help voluntarily.

How does community psychology view the concept of mental health?

As a collective concern that can be improved through community action. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between community psychology and epidemiology?

Epidemiology is used to inform community psychological practices and needs assessment. Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental characteristic of the seeking mode in community psychology?

Emphasis on geographical distribution of distress Signup and view all the answers

How does the assets based approach differ from traditional mental health frameworks?

It underscores strengths and community resources Signup and view all the answers

What does Caplan's typology primarily address in the context of preventive psychiatry?

Basic supplies necessary for human development Signup and view all the answers

What is the main aim of primary prevention as defined in the content?

To prevent the emergence of potential problems Signup and view all the answers

In the context of community psychology, what is considered a strength that contributes to flourishing communities?

Attributes such as resilience and teamwork Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ecological Metaphor in Community Psychology

Community psychology adopts a public health approach, focusing on populations rather than individual treatment.
Emphasizes understanding and intervention within communities to address mental health issues collectively.
Bond et al (2016) highlight that community psychology is more a mindset than a rigid set of practices.

Spectrum of Public Health Interventions

Interventions range from passive waiting to active social action.
Schon (1968) identified four categories of community-oriented programs:
- Extend services to previously underserved populations.
- Identify individuals with mental health issues prior to crisis.
- Influence community mental health through collaboration with institutions like schools and courts.
- Shift treatment focus from individuals to the community.

Seeking Mode of Community Psychology

Practitioners must proactively engage with the community, as opposed to waiting for individuals to seek help (Orford, 2008).
This seeking mode involves understanding community-generated problems and assessing unmet needs.
It relies on epidemiological approaches including population surveys and assessments of distress.

Assets-Based Approach

Community psychology promotes a positive psychology orientation, contrasting the deficit model prevalent in mainstream psychology.
Humanistic psychology offers some aspects of an assets-based view but remains influenced by a deficit mentality.
Jorge-Monteiro et al (2014) argue that conventional negative-focused assessments can demotivate individuals.
The model is criticized for maintaining the separation of those with mental illness from wider society.
Community psychology champions strengths-based approaches to foster resilience, teamwork, and virtue.

Prevention Focus

Traditional reactive methods are insufficient for addressing mental health and social issues.
Prevention aims to modify processes that lead to maladaptation, reducing the risk of developing problems.
Caplan’s (1964) typology categorizes needs as physical, psychological, and socio-cultural, emphasizing their importance in preventing psychological disorders.
Preventive activities are classified into:
- Primary prevention: Aiming to prevent issues before they arise.
- Secondary prevention: Focused on halting the progression of existing disorders.
- Tertiary prevention: Preventing deterioration and disability from current conditions.
Prevention complements treatment, offering a holistic approach to mental health care.

Description

Explore the foundational concepts of community psychology as a public health approach to mental health. This quiz addresses the shift from individual treatment to a focus on populations, highlighting the importance of social actions and interventions within the field. Delve into the insights of Bond et al (2016) on the nature of community psychology.