Assessment and Intervention Techniques in Community Psychology Practice: Examining the Discussions of Practitioners Using Thematic Analysis

Abstract

This study, conducted by the Education and Training Committee of the Japanese Society of Community Psychology, aimed to elucidate the assessment and intervention strategies employed in Japanese community psychology practice. We conducted six two-hour focus group discussions led by the Japanese Society of Community Psychology directors in 2022. Employing a hybrid thematic analysis approach, we identified 17 codes under four themes: Foundations of Community Practice, Assessment Perspectives and Intervention Techniques, Assessment Perspectives, and Intervention Techniques. Our findings highlight the compatibility between the mindset of community psychology practice and traditional clinical psychology, the integration of assessment and intervention through the “here and now” experience, and an ecological perspective encompassing the practitioner, their immediate social circles, and the broader community. Additionally, we underscored the importance of sustainable engagement with the community’s self-regulatory functions and a focus on community margins. Future considerations include developing and refining these techniques through global discussions among community psychology practitioners. This research also represents a proactive effort to address the emerging needs of community psychologists.