MENTAL HEALTH FROM THE LENS OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY: A QUALITATIVE VIEW

Abstract

The concept of mental health is abstract in nature and is hence difcult to be understood. This led the present investigators to attempt to have a cognizance of mental health from community psychology perspective. Aqualitative research purview towards studying the concept by embracing a community-based participatory research paradigm was adopted for the purpose. The social-ecological model as well as the blended model were used to arrive at qualitative interviewing of community stakeholders like psychologists, psychiatrists, patients, public health professionals and qualitative researchers. Focus group discussions were conducted with the members of community advisory board (CAB) to arrive at a rich understanding of the concept. It was ensured that representatives of law, visual media, policy makers, religious leaders and other professionals were included in the sample. People suffering from mental illness (with insight), mental health professionals, and caregivers were also approached to seek their valuable opinion. Transcription and analysis of data followed to extract meaning of the rich information obtained. The study found less streamlined knowledge regarding mental health concept and allied issues. The ndings are important not only to provide clarity to the concept of mental health, but also to address the related stigma and taboos. They are important for mass awareness of citizens in the country and for improving the stay-quality of individuals by promoting their well-being in general.