Expanding community psychology's domain

Area of Science:

• Community Psychology
• Environmental Psychology
• Prevention Science

Background:

• Traditional mental health settings limit the reach of community psychology's core goals.
• The Swampscott conference advocated for broadening the scope of community psychology.
• Behavior settings significantly influence psychological well-being and community action.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for expanding community psychology's focus beyond clinical settings.
• To review existing research on prevention and empowerment in various behavior settings.
• To identify potential new roles for community psychologists in diverse environments.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of prevention and empowerment efforts.
• Analysis of research within Barker's (1968) five classes of behavior settings: schools, work sites, religious settings, voluntary associations, and government.
• Synthesis of findings to suggest expanded roles for community psychologists.

Main Results:

• Prevention and empowerment initiatives are evident in diverse settings beyond traditional mental health.
• Schools, workplaces, religious organizations, voluntary associations, and government bodies offer opportunities for intervention.
• Current research demonstrates the feasibility and impact of community psychology principles in non-clinical environments.

Conclusions:

• Community psychology's goals are better served by engaging with a wider range of behavior settings.
• Expanding practice into settings like schools and workplaces enhances prevention and empowerment efforts.
• Further research and action are needed to fully realize community psychology's potential across societal contexts.