Psychology and human services in Cuba: personal perspectives

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Psychology
• Human Services

Background:

• Cuban psychology and human services operate within a unique socio-economic context.
• Understanding these practices offers insights into community-integrated service delivery models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the development and practices of psychology and related human services in Cuba.
• To identify interrelationships between social institutions, work incentives, health delivery, and community participation.

Main Methods:

• Conducted interviews with Cuban social scientists.
• Gathered data from a medical school, community health clinic, residential treatment facility, and a university psychology program.

Main Results:

• Identified a network linking work performance with material/moral incentives and active worker evaluation.
• Observed health services adapted to community needs through targeted delivery.
• Found local organizations facilitating community participation in neighborhood initiatives.

Conclusions:

• Cuban society actively reshapes relationships between individuals and social institutions.
• The Cuban model of community participation in social services offers valuable reference points for other countries.