Perceptions of community psychology among registered psychologists

[摘要] The current South African mental health context can be described as skewed in favour ofthe predominantly white, paying clientele in the private sector. The mental health needs ofthe predominantly poor, black population and people in rural areas are consequently leftunmet. Community psychology is identified as a suitable approach to providing relevantpsychological services to the South African population. However there are many structuralbarriers to the efficient practice of community psychology, which is further compounded bymisconceptions and discouraging connotations attached to this field of practice. Theoverarching aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of registered psychologistsregarding different aspects of community psychology. A further aim was to explore thecurrent practice patterns of registered clinical, counselling, research and educationalpsychologists in the Cape Winelands district. A postal survey was undertaken, whichincorporated both quantitative and qualitative components. A self-administeredquestionnaire was mailed to all psychologists in the Cape Winelands district who havebeen registered with the Professional Board of Psychology of the Health ProfessionsCouncil of South Africa (HPCSA) for at least three years. The data was analysed usingfrequencies and descriptive statistics as well as content analysis. In this studypsychologists raised diverse opinions about community psychology, barriers to servicedelivery, service providers and users of such services. It appears that despite numerouscalls for a more relevant psychology in the South African context, psychologists maintain apreference for the private practice setting. Suggestions were also made for changes sothat the provision of community-based psychological services could be more attractive formental health professionals in South Africa.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University