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What Is Community Psychology?
The health of a community as a whole often affects each individual person in that particular community. If several individual community members suffer from a particular mental disorder, social problem, or negative economic status, the overall health of the community will often suffer as a result. These are the types of ideas that community psychologists focus on.
Community psychology is a branch of psychology that involves the study of how individuals relate to their communities and the reciprocal affect of communities on individuals. Researching unpleasant, undesirable, or problem situations in a community allows these psychologists to uncover ways to make improvements.
In general, there are a couple ways to change a community problem:
Community psychology started sometime around the middle of the 20th century. It was around this time that society as a whole was becoming slightly less conservative. This, in turn, made some less common social problems more prominent. Because of this, social psychologists at this time began to become more and more interested in certain social problems and community well-being.
In 1965, nearly 40 psychologists met in Swampscott, Massachusetts. The purpose of the Swampscott Conference was to discuss and consider the possibility of training professionals to focus on the mental and social health of communities. This conference was the beginning of community psychology as we know it today.
What Are the Education Requirements to Become a Community Psychologist?
Below is the complete educational path for the Psychologists:Psychologist Educational TrackSchool ProgramsAverage Education LengthChoosing Online or Campus1.Earn a Bachelor’s DegreeView Programs4 YearsOnlineorCampus2.Earn A Master’s DegreeView Programs2 Additional YearsOnlineorCampus3.Earn a PHD or PsyDView Programs2-4 Additional YearsOnlineorCampus
Psychologist Educational TrackSchool ProgramsAverage Education LengthChoosing Online or Campus1.Earn a Bachelor’s DegreeView Programs4 YearsOnlineorCampus2.Earn A Master’s DegreeView Programs2 Additional YearsOnlineorCampus3.Earn a PHD or PsyDView Programs2-4 Additional YearsOnlineorCampus
In order to start community psychologist careers, individuals will typically need toenroll in a four year psychology degree program. Some universities and colleges may even offer community psychology degrees for those interested in a more focused education.
Although afour year degreemay open some career doors, more advanced degrees are usually recommended. After graduating from a four year psychology degree program, those looking to pursue community psychology careers should consider earningMaster’s degreesand aDoctorate degree.
Why Do We Need Community Psychology?
At times, the problems of the individuals in a community can quickly become the problems of the community. Problems such as homelessness, teen pregnancy, substance abuse, and AIDS or HIV can be very draining on a community’s resources.
What Does a Community Psychologist Do?
In short, a community psychologist is a problem solver. These types of professionals are often presented with problems that are affecting certain communities. They will then research the problem and find out why it is a problem, and what the best way to fix it would be.
When solving community problems, community psychologists will often work closely with several important community members. This may include local government officials, law enforcement officers, social service employees, and school officials. During their research, community psychologists will also speak and interact with all types of other community members, from the “Average Joes” to the more down and out sorts.
Where Does a Community Psychologist Work?
Some may work directly for local governments, such as city councils or town board members. Others might work at local shelters, substance abuse treatment centers, or schools. Research centers might also have a need for community psychologists as well.
What is the Median Salary of a Community Psychologist?
Community psychologists often work for local, state, and federal governmental agencies, for community health agencies, in substance abuse treatment hospitals, and in schools, among others, where they earn the following median salaries:
Additional Resources and Further Reading
Society for Community Research and Action - SCRAJournal of Community PsychologyAmerican Journal of Community PsychologyWikipedia.org - Community PsychologyGlobal Journal of Community Psychology Practice - GJCPPYouTube.com - Defining Community PsychologyCommunity Psychology Practice Blog2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics job market trends and salary figures forpsychologists (all other)are based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2023.
2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics job market trends and salary figures forpsychologists (all other)are based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2023.
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