Community Psychology: South African Praxis (3rd Edition)

Step outside the consulting room and into the heart of the community. Community Psychology: South African Praxis is the essential textbook for understanding how psychological theory can be used to address systemic issues in a diverse, multicultural society. The 3rd Edition has been significantly expanded with a broader team of collaborators to provide a modern, decolonial lens on the psychosocial challenges facing South Africa today, from poverty and unemployment to gender-based violence and community trauma.

Why the 3rd Edition is a Psychology Major’s Essential:

• Ecological Perspective: Moves beyond the individual to analyze how microsystems (family), mesosystems (schools), and macrosystems (culture/politics) influence mental health.

• Social Justice Driven: A strong focus on empowerment, social change, and the decolonization of psychology to make it more relevant to African contexts.

• South African Praxis: Blends high-level theory with “praxis”—the practical application of research to real-world community interventions.

• Current Issues: Comprehensive new coverage of contemporary South African challenges, including xenophobia, masculinities, and HIV/AIDS community support.

Key Topics Covered:

• Theoretical Foundations: Deep dives into Systems Theory, Social Constructionism, and Critical Social Theory.

• Research for Change: Mastering Participatory Action Research (PAR) and implementation science to ensure community members are partners, not just subjects.

• Community Interventions: Strategies for prevention, promotion, and the development of peer support groups and mental health services.

• Challenging Social Realities: Psychologically grounded approaches to addressing violence, crime, homelessness, and substance abuse in SA.

• Positive Psychology: Promoting collective well-being at personal, relational, and collective levels.

Key Specifications:

• ISBN-13: 9780627039973

• Authors: M. Visser, J. Akhurst, R. Carolissen, N. Matamela

• Publisher: Van Schaik Publishers

• Edition: 3rd Edition (Published 2022)

• Format: Physical Softcover (Approx. 494 pages)