Running Header: 73579809 Community Psychology and public health

Community Psychology and Public Health

Introduction

Psychology is the science of mind, brain and behavior and its key role is to understand the behavior and mental process of human beings. Community psychology therefore is the relationship between social systems and the well being of the individuals in the community which aims at improving the people’s welfare. Psychologists attempt to understand the role of mental functions in individuals by exploring their behaviors in and around their environments. Behavioral and mental roles differ among individuals and psychologist employ different methods in trying to ascertain a person’s behavior. Psychologists incorporate their research on an individual’s behavior with other methods such as social science and natural sciences.

Behaviors in individuals are mostly influenced by the environments in which they live in and the activities that they are engaged in. For instance, when a person is always engaged in negative activities, with time he slow develops the negative behaviors in spite of his earlier behaviors. It is therefore very important for human beings to keenly observe the environments they live in plus the people that they interact with so as to nurture their behaviors. There is a common saying that says ‘garbage in garbage out’ so whatever information that human beings feed into their minds definitely influences them accordingly.

However, community psychological problems are sometimes health related thus calling for medical attention to address those problems. Some of these community psychological issues affect our lives directly or indirectly, and therefore Psychologists are required to have some medical knowledge so as to be able to identify those signs that may need medical attention.

To achieve this, psychologist conduct interviews and thorough researches in the different areas so as to identify those people that need to be assisted through counseling programs. In addressing community problems, psychologists have a clear way of delivering their services to the community whereby they believe in first tackling personal issues as they progress upwards to the community level as a whole.

Community psychology covers substantive areas and different settings in the community therefore giving psychologist vibrant urgency and knowledge on issues arising from the community. The key role that community psychologists play is that they foresee and prevent problems in the community before the problems rise rather than wait and see the consequences of those problems.

Key principals of community psychology

The best way to in solving a problem is to first identify the root cause of the problem and then confronting it head on in order to solve it. To address the issues of young aged youths in the community, first and foremost as a psychologist I would do some thorough research in the community so as to know the main reason as to why the youths are engaging themselves with this behavior. This can be done using several ways e.g. conducting interviews or one on one conversation with the victims to try and get first hand information on their experiences.

After collecting getting the required information, I would then evaluate and analyze my research findings so as to come up with a final report showing and reflecting the views collected from the field work. The report should guide me on to what to do in trying to combat the issue that the youths are going through.

From the report, the major causes as to why the youths are sexually active should be stipulated and elaborated and the possible changes that should be enforced to fully kill or reduce vice. After identify the problem I would come up with my solution views and suggestions which should be applied and adhered to in helping the children to stop the behavior.

It would be important to engage the children in other activities such as sports and counseling programs to help freshen their minds with new and positive ideas that will benefit them. It is said that information is power, and therefore to benefit the youths with knowledge they should be well informed and often reminded of the consequences of their behavior to their health’s and daily lives.

To achieve this schools and parents should be more responsible in nurturing their children behaviors. For instanced learning institutions should have sex education in their curriculums so as to teach the youths on the ways that they can control their desires and also learn how they can protect themselves from the diseases that are brought about by indulgence in sexual activities. The youths should also be restricted from any adult information or programs and instead they should get exposed in constructive activities and places such churches and sports activities.

Conclusion

The youths are very important people in the society today because they are the future leaders of the society with fresh minds and the strength to propel societies ahead in terms of development. It is therefore very crucial for them to be nurtured in the best way possible way so that they can develop positive attitudes and behaviors.

Reference

Seedat, M. (2001). Community psychology: Theory, method and practice. Oxford: Oxford University press.