Community Psychology and the Schools : A Behaviorally Oriented Multilevel Approach

Originally published in 1976, this volume begins with a theoretical overview of the major trends in the community psychology movement at the time, as well as a perspective on how the field was developing. The emphasis is on the utility of combining a preventative community-centered orientation with an applied behavioral-analytic focus. The authors take general theoretical notions and demonstrate how they can be turned to concrete methods of dealing with specific practical problems that occur in implementing a ‘real-life’ program of community oriented intervention.

The authors present an innovative model for developing a low cost and effective delivery system for mental health services in public schools. They describe the actual development and implementation of such a system in the school, and also include a comprehensive evaluative scheme for determining the efficacy of this type of endeavor. The actual behavior change strategies that are employed can be used effectively by teaching personnel or psychologists on either a large or small scale. A final unique feature of the volume is the inclusion of a program that will assist teachers and mental health professionals in helping elementary school students learn social problem-solving skills.