Community Psychology in South Africa

Community psychology is an applied branch of psychology that strives to promote the health and wellbeing of people in various contexts. This discipline is of particular relevance in South Africa, where excellent infrastructure and meaningful pockets of wealth coexist with extremely poor communities experiencing specific social and psychological issues. Community psychology in South Africa presents the depth and width of the field of Community psychology in its quest to eradicate psychosocial problems and empower people through community development. This book considers the theoretical foundations of the field and how these theories can be applied to understanding psychosocial problems within the multicultural South African context. Psychosocial problems discussed in the book include the following: Health promotion; Mental health; HIV/AIDS; Substance abuse; Poverty; Crime and violence; Violence towards women and children; Interracial relationships. This second edition has been updated to include recent developments, especially regarding cultural awareness. Community psychology in South Africa is aimed at experienced psychologists, professionals dealing with community development and the wellbeing of individuals and communities, as well as students of social sciences.