Community Psychology: Perspectives and Applications

This text provides a coherent and balanced presentation of the principles and practices of community psychology. Opening chapters analyze the conceptual roots of community psychology in epidemiology, the medical model of mental health, and social ecology, while later chapters focus on practical applications in preventive mental health and social and community change. Unusual but increasingly important topics are also addressed, such as self-help, consciousness raising, labelling theory, school desegregation, and the role of behavioral scientists in social change. The authors subject basic concepts to critical analysis and provide up-to-date reviews of empirical research throughout.