Psychology is fundamentally concerned with people and how they behave in the society. Since behaviour is the bases of all social beings, the relationship between social systems and individual well-being in the community context is of high interest in the programme. Psychologists deal with daily social and mental health issues which is achieved through research and interventions in both public and private community settings. Psychology integrates social, cultural, economic, political, environmental, and international influences to promote positive change, health, and empowerment at individual and systemic levels. One of the most exciting aspects of General Psychology is that the field is developing rapidly especially with the increasing rate of economic, political and socio-psychological problems in the society. Secondly, Psychology covers a broad range of settings and substantive areas. Psychologists are most needed in our society especially today when people are undergoing untold sufferings resulting to depression, stress, traumatic situations and conflicts. The above reasons permits an urgent need for trained psychologist who are skilled and professionally capable of assisting and counselling. Psychology is concerned with societal interactions and community functioning at individual, group and community levels. It seeks to understand relationships between environmental conditions and the development of health and wellbeing of all members of a community. Psychological competence and empowerment, prevent disorder, and promote constructive social change. The goal is to optimize the wellbeing of individuals and communities with innovative and alternative interventions designed in collaboration with affected community members and with other related disciplines inside and outside of psychology. The four broad principles guide of Psychology include: • Research on human behaviour and respect for diversity and individual differences among peoples and settings; • Human competencies and problems as well as problem solving which are best understood by studying people within their social, cultural, economic, political geographic, and historical contexts; • Psychology involves collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and the society at large; • Change strategies are needed at multiple levels in order to foster settings that promote competence and wellbeing. OBJECTIVES At the end of the programme, students should be able to: 1. To develop an understanding of the values, goals, and intervention and research methods of psychologists, 2. To achieve an understanding of the effects of societal, cultural, and environmental influences on psychological and societal wellbeing; 3. To examine multiple levels of contexts in which people grow and develop, as well as strategies for fostering contexts that promote healthy development; 4. To consider ways to assess and be responsive to the needs of people with diverse socio cultural, educational, and ethnic backgrounds, and varying abilities, goals, and experiences; 5. To be able to apply theory, concepts and research strategies to a problem in the local community; 6. To develop skills in collaborating with community residents, community organizations, and community specialists in identifying, designing, and implementing, and interpreting community based research; 7. To become knowledgeable and professionals in the field of psychology.
