History and theoretical-methodological fundaments of Community Psychology in Ceará

J Prev Interv Community. 2016;44(1):4-15. doi: 10.1080/10852352.2016.1102581.

Abstract

In this article we discuss the historical and theoretical-methodological aspects of the Community Psychology that has been developed in the state of Ceará, in northeastern Brazil, based on the praxis initiated by Professor Cezar Wagner de Lima Góis and further developed by the Community Psychology Nucleus (NUCOM) at the Federal University of Ceará. Important aspects of the beginning of this Community Psychology are presented, highlighting its academic and social perspectives. NUCOM is a space for the development of teaching, research, and outreach activities, which allows the systematization and deepening of this proposal for a different Community Psychology. Community Psychology is constituted by five theoretical-methodological marks: Popular Education, Biodance, Carl Rogers' Humanistic Approach, Cultural-Historical Psychology, and Liberation Psychology. Finally, the article describes the methods comprising this proposal for working in communities, which are sustained by pillars such as participation and problematizing dialogue.

Keywords: Community Psychology nucleus; dialogue; methods; participation.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Brazil
  • Community Mental Health Services / methods*
  • Community-Institutional Relations*
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • Humans
  • Models, Psychological
  • Poverty
  • Psychology, Social / education
  • Psychology, Social / history
  • Psychology, Social / methods*
  • Universities