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FriB02: Roundtable |

Tracks
Room A315
Friday, June 26, 2020
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM

Presentation

What have international conferences contributed to community psychology? | Serrano-Garcia


Presenter(s)

Dr Irma Serrano-Garcia
University of Puerto Rico

What have international conferences contributed to community psychology?

11:45 AM - 12:45 PM

Abstract

International conferences started in 2006. Since then, seven conferences have been held around the globe. There has been an average attendance of 647 participants from an average of 35 countries. These events have facilitated sharing work from different countries, networking, generating research efforts from varied nations and, overall, demonstrated the spread and breadth of the discipline around the world. Although many who have attended these conferences believe that they have had an impact on the discipline, no one has really examined this empirically. The round table will begin with a presentation of a content analysis of the programs of the previous seven conferences focusing on contributions in five broad areas: theory and concepts (T & C), populations of concern (P), education and training (E/T), interventions (I) and research methods (RM). Preliminary results from the first reading of programs from two conferences has shown that of the four broad areas the mostly frequently discussed was theories and concepts and the least frequent was research methods. In T&C the most frequent subjects where history and development of community psychology and empowerment. The population of concern with the most mentions was youth, while community action/change interventions were favored. Within research methods, participatory research was the most frequent as was a description of particular programs in the E/T category. The content analysis will be complete so that the ensuing discussion, which will include panelist from four countries, will focus on the impact of the conferences, on how their contributions have developed during the 14 years since their inception, on gaps that remain and on recommendations of future directions for the development of international community psychology. Active participation of all present will be promoted.

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