What are the values and assumptions in community psychology?

Answer 1

Community psychology represents a new way of thinking about people’s behaviour and well-being in the context of all the community environments and social systems in which they live their lives. Community psychology is also a complete helping plan of involvement strategies and services that promote the personal development and well-being of all individuals and communities (Lewis, Lewis, Daniels, & D’Andrea, 1998). It deals with the relationships of the individual to communities and the whole society, the focus is on helping to promote the wellness of individuals in the community. Community psychology together with focus both (applied) service delivery to the community and (theory-based) research on social environmental processes. Second, they focus, not just on individual psychological make-up, but on multiple levels of analysis, from individuals and groups to specific programs to organizations and, finally, to whole communities. Third, community psychology covers a broad range of settings and substantive areas. To promote the use of social and behavioural sciences for the well‑being of people and their communities; to promote theory development and research that increase our understanding of human behaviour in its social context; to encourage the exchange of knowledge and skills in community research and action.

Answer 2

Values in community psychology include social justice, empowerment, collaboration, and diversity. Assumptions include the importance of understanding the context and systems influencing individuals' lives, the value of building on community strengths, and the belief that individuals and communities have the capacity for growth and change.