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A survey of community perceptions of critical life situations and community helping sources as a tool for mental health program development
Author(s) -
Turner James T.,
Kimbrough W. W.,
Traynham R. N.
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
journal of community psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.585
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1520-6629
pISSN - 0090-4392
DOI - 10.1002/1520-6629(197707)5:3<225::aid-jcop2290050304>3.0.co;2-5
Subject(s) - perception , mental health , referral , psychology , gerontology , medical education , medicine , family medicine , psychiatry , neuroscience
Abstract In the establishment and evaluation of programs for community mental health centers, the perceptions of the local community can play a definite role. This paper presents a method of studying community perceptions of both specific critical life situations and particular structures and groups identified as helping sources. A group of 277 persons was surveyed. Three subgroups were assigned according to age. A questionnaire consisting of three sections was administered. These sections obtained demographic data, knowledge of the particular clinic and critical life situations with associated helping sources. Special statistical techniques were utilized in the sampling. The data from the survey allowed the center to identify the problem areas seen by the community as important. Additionally, the age grouping allowed the targeting of specific programs to the concerned age group. Important referral sources within the community were also identified. The method of use of such data in the evaluation and development of programs while maximizing use of center resources was discussed.