Class Community Psychology

Community Psychology is an optional course unit that provides an introduction to the foundations, concepts, and intervention models of Community Psychology as a field of Psychology concerned with understanding the relationships between individuals, communities, and social contexts. The course addresses community mental health, prevention, and community intervention, with particular attention to concepts such as community, empowerment, sense of community, social support, mutual help, risk, protection, and resilience. The analysis of deinstitutionalisation processes, support systems, and intervention projects enables students to understand different levels and contexts of action. Within the study programme, this optional course broadens students' education by promoting an ecological, preventive, and participatory perspective on psychosocial issues and on strategies for promoting well-being and community development.

Not applicable

PC1. Introduction to Community Psychology Origins, rationale, and current status Definition, characteristics, core principles, and values Crisis theory PC2. Community Mental Health Critique of the traditional clinical model Deinstitutionalisation Community support systems Community-based support service models Community integration PC3. Key Concepts and Theoretical Approaches in Community Psychology Concepts and conceptualisations of community Empowerment Sense of community Mutual help Social support PC4. Prevention in Mental Health Concepts of risk, protection, and resilience Levels of prevention Planning, implementation, and examples of preventive interventions PC5. Community Intervention Aims and stages of community intervention Community development and examples of community interventions

The course unit integrates active learning methodologies that promote connections between the theoretical frameworks of Community Psychology and the analysis of real-life situations and contexts. Case-based learning is used through the analysis of psychosocial issues, news reports, documentaries, and community intervention projects, encouraging the critical application of key concepts. Concept mapping supports the organisation and integration of knowledge, while collaborative activities and guided discussions foster the shared construction of interpretations and the analysis of different perspectives. The analysis of intervention projects promotes contextualised, problem-oriented learning. Formative feedback from the lecturer and peers supports reflection, self-regulation, and continuous improvement of learning.

Christens, B. (2019). Community Power And Empowerment. Oxford University Press Jason, L., Glantsman, O., Brien, J., Ramian, K., Anderson, A., Anderson, V., &  Mckibban, A. (2019). Introduction to Community Psychology Becoming an Agent of Change. 409. https://press.rebus.community/introductiontocommunitypsychology/ Kelly, J. (2006). Becoming Ecological: An expedition into community psychology. Oxford University Press Kloos , B., et al. (2020). Community Psychology: Linking Individuals and Comm. Fourth Edition Moritsugu, J., Duffy, K., Wong, F. (2016) Community psychology. (5th ed.). Routledge. Nunes, M. & Viana, A. (2017). Intervenção Comunitária. Centro Editorial Sta  Casa Ornelas, J. (2008). Psicologia comunitária. Fim de Século Verduyn, P., Ybarra, O., Résibois, M., Jonides, J., & Kross, E. (2017). Do Social Network Sites Enhance or Undermine Subjective Well-Being? A Critical Review. Social Issues and Policy Review, 11(1), 274¿302. https://doi.org/10.1111/sipr.12033