Community Psychology

N/A

Classes take a dynamic character, incorporating: 1) knowledge and information lectures; 2) critical analyses, based on gerontological community intervention projects; 3) paper research; 4) debates.

For this course, the construction of knowledge focuses on the principles of participation and committed involvement during the construction of learning. Given these principles, the approach chosen implies the adoption of participatory and cooperative methodologies,  and reflective construction of knowledge, particularly in the tasks defined, implemented and shared. Students can choose either continuous assessment or final exam. Continuous assessment includes a reflexive portfolio with all the theoretical and practical work developed throughout the semester (50%) and a test (50%). Final exam is a written test (100%).

1. To understand the influence of social, cultural and environmental factors on community’s psychological well-being.

2. To master concepts, values and theories of community psychology and understand the factors, mechanisms and structures that contribute to groups and communities cohesion.

3. To target reflexive interventions in the area of social gerontology in order to promote personal, social and cultural development, taking into account the specificities of contexts and communities.

1. Community Psychology: definitions, goals.

2. Community Psychology: origins, evolution and principals:

2.1. Historical aspects;

2.2. Values;

2.3. Sense of community;

2.4. Social Capital;

2.5. Empowerment and civic participation;

3. Theoretical Models of Community Psychology.

4. Community Development and Social Action:

4.1. Applications of Community Psychology: Prevention, Health promotion and welness, Social Change, Social Support, Self-Help Groups.

4.2. Intervention Process and Community Development: Steps, communities characteristics, and relevant partnerships.

• - Reflexive Portfolio - 50.0%
• - Frequency - 50.0%

• - Exam - 100.0%

NAO

Buffel, T., Handler, S., & Phillipson, C. (2019). Age-friendly cities and communities: A global perspective. University of Bristol

Clauss-Ehlers, C. (2021). The Cambridge handbook of Community Psychology. Interdisciplinary and contextual perspectives. Cambridge University Press

Christen, B. (2019). Community power and empowerment. Oxford University Press

Fonseca, A. (2018). Ageing in place. Boas práticas em Portugal. Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian & Universidade Católica

Keys, C., Bond, M., & Serrano, I. (2017). APA handbook of Community Psychology (vol 1, 2). APA

Levine, M., Perkins, D., & Perkins, D. (2005). Principles of community psychology. Perspectives and applications. Oxford University Press

Ornelas, J. (2008). Psicologia Comunitária. Fim de Século

Palmer, G., Rogers, T., Viola, J., & Engel, M. (Eds.) (2021). Case studies in Community Psychology practice. Rebus Pressbooks

Pereira, T. (2022). Promoting healthy and active ageing. A multidisciplinary approach. Routledge.