Journal of Community Psychology 

About: Journal of Community Psychology is an academic journal published by Wiley-Blackwell. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Mental health & Medicine. It has an ISSN identifier of 0090-4392. Over the lifetime, 3251 publications have been published receiving 100345 citations. The journal is also known as: Community psychology.

Sense of community: A definition and theory

Abstract: For several years many of us at Peabody College have participated in the evolution of a theory of community, the first conceptualization of which was presented in a working paper (McMillan, 1976) of the Center for Community Studies. To support the proposed definition, McMillan focused on the literature on group cohesiveness, and we build here on that original definition. This article attempts to describe the dynamics of the sense-of-community force — to identify the various elements in the force and to describe the process by which these elements work together to produce the experience of sense of community.

Sexual Violence Prevention through Bystander Education: An Experimental Evaluation.

Abstract: The current study used an experimental design to evaluate a sexual violence prevention program based on a community of responsibility model that teaches women and men how to intervene safely and effectively in cases of sexual violence before, during, and after incidents with strangers, acquaintances, or friends. It approaches both women and men as potential bystanders or witnesses to behaviors related to sexual violence. Three hundred and eighty-nine undergraduates participated and were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups or a control group. Results from the research reveal that up to 2 months after participating in either a one- or three-session version of the program, participants in the treatment conditions showed improvements across measures of attitudes, knowledge, and behavior while the control group did not. Most program effects persisted at 4- and 12-month follow-ups. The program appeared to benefit both women and men. Implications and future directions for research are discussed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comm Psychol 35: 463–481, 2007.

Sense of community

Abstract: This article revisits the theory of sense of community originally developed in 1976 and subsequently presented by McMillan and Chavis (1986). Chavis, Hogge, McMillan, and Wandersman (1986) demonstrated its empirical strength as a theory and developed the Sense of Community Questionnaire. This was essential work in getting the theory used. As reflected in the contents of this special issue, the theory has since stimulated considerable empirical research. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Trauma‐informed or trauma‐denied: Principles and implementation of trauma‐informed services for women

Abstract: In this article, we attempt to bridge the gap between practice (service delivery) and philosophy (trauma theory, empowerment, and relational theory). Specifically, we identify 10 principles that define trauma-informed service, discuss the need for this type of service, and give some characteristics of trauma-informed services in eight different human service areas. The areas include outreach and engagement, screening and assessment, resource coordination and advocacy, crisis intervention, mental health and substance abuse services, trauma-specific services, parenting support, and healthcare. We draw upon the experiences of the nine sites involved in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration's (SAMHSA) 5-year grant project, Women, Co-occurring Disorders and Violence Study (WCDVS), and include the recommendation that consumers be integrated into the design and evaluation of services. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comm Psychol 33: 461–477, 2005.

Acculturation, familism, and alcohol use among Latino adolescent males: Longitudinal relations

Abstract: This article advances our understanding of factors associated with patterns and consequences of early alcohol involvement among Latino teens, with an emphasis on how nativity may influence longitudinal relations among variables including acculturation, familism, and alcohol involvement. Following a comparative presentation of alcohol use prevalence rates, the current study offers a culturally founded theoretical model of early adolescent drinking. Specifically, this article extends existing models such as gateway theory and esteem enhancement theory and explores the effects of acculturation and acculturative stress on the intensity of alcohol use among immigrant (n= 1,051) and U.S.-born (n= 968) Latino males attending middle school in South Florida. Results from structural equation modeling suggest acculturation and acculturative stress influence alcohol use primarily through the deterioration of Latino family values, attitudes, and familistic behaviors. However, the relationship between acculturative stress and alcohol use differs in important ways depending on the adolescent's birthplace. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications of our findings for education, prevention, treatment, and research with Latino adolescents. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.