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Community Psychology and the Socio-economics of Mental Distress

Community Psychology and the Socio-economics of Mental Distress

Carl Walker | Katherine Johnson | Liz Cunningham

(2012)

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Book Details

Abstract

Providing unique global perspectives on community psychology, this is exciting and important reading for students and researchers alike, written by leading experts in the field. Drawing on a wealth of experience and examples, it offers an essential guide to the political global context of this fast-developing area of psychology.
"This is a must read for anyone concerned with the state of the world and quality of life. It is a call for action for mental health advocates worldwide. Read it and improve your ability to challenge the status quo. Pass it along and contribute to much needed action for mental health." – Isaac Prilleltensky, Dean, School of Education, and Erwin and Barbara Mautner Chair in Community Well-Being, University of Miami, USA

"This book should be essential reading for all who are interested in the root causes of mental distress whether from personal, service or societal perspectives. The editors are to be congratulated for assembling chapters written from different parts of the world tackling issues that other analyses don't reach, particularly relating to socio-economic trends and globalisation – authentic community psychology at its best." – Carolyn Kagan, Professor of Community Social Psychology and Director of the research Institute for Health and Social Change, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK


Carl Walker is Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Brighton, UK. His research interests in recent years include social inequality, identity and mental distress, cultural representations of mental health and experiences of employment.
Katherine Johnson is Principal Lecturer in Psychology and Director of Postgraduate Studies at the University of Brighton, UK. Her research connects social, critical and community psychology perspectives with interdisciplinary gender and queer studies. 
Liz Cunningham is Senior Lecturer in Community Research and Practice at the University of Brighton, UK. In recent years, her key research interests have been the development of culturally appropriate psychology; the use of participatory action research (PAR); social and community development, and oral history methods.

Table of Contents

Section Title Page Action Price
Cover Cover
Half-Title i
Title iii
Copyright iv
Contents v
List of Illustrations vii
Acknowledgements viii
Notes on Contributors ix
Introduction to Community Psychology and the Socio-economics of Mental Distress: International Perspectives 1
Section 1 Socio-economics and Mental Distress 11
1 Seroxat: The Corruption of Pharmacological Corporations, Health Care Professionals, Politicians and Academics 16
2 Gambling: Government and Industry Promotion of a Dangerous Form of Consumption 32
3 Neoliberal Ideology and Personal Debt in the United Kingdom 49
4 The Operation of a Suicidal Cohort and Its Socio-economic Origins 62
5 Mental Health and Community Psychology in India 80
Section 2 Psychology, Ideology and Modes of Interventions 91
6 Social Integration, Violence and Mental Health in Colombia 96
7 Supporting Global Mental Health: Critical Community Psychology As a Potential Panacea? 108
8 Developing a Cambodian Psychology 124
9 Communities and Professional Identities: South African Women Students’ Accounts of Applied Psychology Training 141
10 Community Psychology As a Globalized Commodity? A South African Perspective 156
Section 3 International Social Change Projects 171
11 Charting a Path from Data to Action: A Culturally Sensitive Intervention for Adolescent Self-Harm in Sri Lanka 175
12 Housing for People with Lived Experience of Mental Health Issues: Housing First As a Strategy to Improve Quality of Life 191
13 Developing a Tenant Organization As a Resource in Supported Housing 206
14 The Clubhouse Model and Community Psychology 222
15 Liberation of the Social Consciousness through Alternative Learning and Action Research: Work in Progress with the Aytas of the Philippines 238
16 Art, Social Action and Social Change 253
Conclusion 267
17 Global Mental Health, Cultural Specifi city and the Risk of Neocolonialism: Challenges for Critical Community Psychology 269
Index 285