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 Welcome to Community Psychology at Victoria University. Community Psychology has its roots in such fields as community mental health, organisational, applied social and more recently, environmental, ecological and health psychology. Its unique identity is defined through its recognition that the psychological well-being of individuals cannot be understood in isolation from broader social contexts - hence its focus on communities as the primary unit for understanding, research and action. Research in this field recognises that all research efforts are value-based, and typically utilises both qualitative and quantitative methods of investigation, with an emphasis on empowerment and collaboration in community-based research partnerships. Much of the community psychology research activity conducted at Victoria University is therefore based in field settings with community agencies, consumer groups and under-resourced organisations. Examples of such settings include community mental health outreach programs, feminist health services, self-help groups, migrant communities and human service organisations in the midst of service redevelopments such as privatisation and outsourcing. Research projects have been conducted with homeless populations, sex workers and survivors of physical and sexual abuse. Funding has been received for a range of undertakings designed to improve access to health and welfare services, particularly in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne. |
