Subdivision Introduction: Community Psychology

Community psychology is the branch of psychology concerned with person-environment interactions and the ways society impacts upon individual and community functioning. Community psychology focuses on social issues, social institutions, and other settings that influence individuals, groups, and organizations.

Community Psychology is about understanding people within their social worlds and using this understanding to improve people's well-being (Orford, 1992). Researchers systematically examine the ways individuals interact with other individuals, social groups, clubs, churches, schools, families, neighborhoods, and the larger culture and environment. It is an applied discipline where researchers examine various social issues including poverty, substance abuse, school failure, community development, risk and protective factors, empowerment, diversity, prevention, intervention, delinquency, high risk behaviors, aggression, violence, and many other topics.

Community Psychology is also a recognized division of the American Psychological Association and its members are represented by the Society for Community Research & Action (SCRA), division 27. SCRA serves various different disciplines that focus on community research and action. The division was founded on the idea that social systems and environmental influences are important foci for enhancing wellness.

Training in the field can be obtained in a variety of different ways on both the doctoral and master's degree levels. Many universities offer specific training in clinical-community psychology, an integration of the two backgrounds, or just community psychology. The field is becoming more globally recognized and various colleges and universities in Europe, Asia, Canada, Middle East, New Zealand, and Australia offer degrees in community psychology.