Perceptions of community psychology among registered psychologists
Date
2007-12
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
The current South African mental health context can be described as skewed in favour of
the predominantly white, paying clientele in the private sector. The mental health needs of
the predominantly poor, black population and people in rural areas are consequently left
unmet. Community psychology is identified as a suitable approach to providing relevant
psychological services to the South African population. However there are many structural
barriers to the efficient practice of community psychology, which is further compounded by
misconceptions and discouraging connotations attached to this field of practice. The
overarching aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of registered psychologists
regarding different aspects of community psychology. A further aim was to explore the
current practice patterns of registered clinical, counselling, research and educational
psychologists in the Cape Winelands district. A postal survey was undertaken, which
incorporated both quantitative and qualitative components. A self-administered
questionnaire was mailed to all psychologists in the Cape Winelands district who have
been registered with the Professional Board of Psychology of the Health Professions
Council of South Africa (HPCSA) for at least three years. The data was analysed using
frequencies and descriptive statistics as well as content analysis. In this study
psychologists raised diverse opinions about community psychology, barriers to service
delivery, service providers and users of such services. It appears that despite numerous
calls for a more relevant psychology in the South African context, psychologists maintain a
preference for the private practice setting. Suggestions were also made for changes so
that the provision of community-based psychological services could be more attractive for
mental health professionals in South Africa.
Description
Thesis (MA (Psychology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007.
Keywords
Community psychology, Mental health services, Psychologists, Practice patterns, Community psychology -- South Africa, Psychologists -- South Africa -- Western Cape -- Attitudes, Dissertations -- Psychology, Theses -- Psychology