Book Description

This book provides a clear organizational scheme that conveys community psychology's unique way of thinking, and engages the readers' imagination and desire to make a difference though a compelling writing style and a variety of pedagogical aids. The book is divided into two main sections: guiding principles, which anchor community psychologists to a coherent set of fundamental values, and orienting concepts, that allow us to remain open to paradigm-shaking perspectives. It explores the past, present, and future of community psychology, balancing reviews of classic work, descriptions of the current state of the field, and emerging perspectives. Not intended as a definitive attempt to cover the field, but as an invitation to readers to discover the field and make it their own, the book draws readers into a dialogue about community psychology that continues after the last word of the book is read. Community Psychology: Where It Came From and What It Is; Community Psychologists: Who We Are and What We Do; The Importance of Values; Beyond the Individual Level; Appreciating Diversity; Embracing Social Change; Strengths Perspective; Stress and Coping; Prevention; Empowerment; Resilience; Community Psychology in the 21 Century.