ABSTRACT

 

Chapter 2:  The History and Theories of Community Psychology in Canada

 

Geoffrey Nelson, Francine Lavoie, and Terry Mitchell

 

In this chapter, we utilize published material and interviews with key informants in community psychology to trace the history and theories of community psychology in French-speaking and English-speaking Canada.

 

•                     We begin by describing the historical development of community psychology dating back to the early years of the 20th century, citing relevant historical material (Babarik, 1979; Lavoie, 1980; Pols, 2000). This historical material is set in the context of the broader historical context of Canada, in which Aboriginal people, people of French ancestry, and people of English ancestry, were the original settlers of Canada. We also describe how the main training programs in community psychology in Canada came into existence. Community psychologists had to define their own contribution, while at the same time collaborating with lay organizations, clinical psychologists, and the other professionals (from community psychiatry or radical psychiatry, social work, health promotion).

 

•                     To examine the theoretical roots of community psychology, we use an inductive analysis to develop themes related to community psychology theory as they are used in understanding and action relevant to several core areas of community psychology practice in Canada: (a) prevention and health promotion (including suicide prevention and crisis intervention), (b) values and ethics, c) social and community intervention (including community development, community economic development, consultation with human services and alternative settings, social marketing and mass media interventions, social action, social policy formulation), (d) social network intervention and consultation with mutual aid groups and organizations, (e) community mental health, and (f) the promotion of diversity and inclusion (including  feminism, anti-racism, supports for gay/lesbian/bisexual people).

 

We note two formal organizations that serve the needs of community psychologists in Canada, both founded in 1982: the Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health and the Community Psychology Section of the Canadian Psychological Association. We also discuss the links between French-speaking and English-speaking community psychologists in Canada and the challenges of bilingualism.