Historical and theoretical orientations of community psychology practice and research in Japan

Abstract

This chapter discusses historical roots and theoretical orientations of community psychology (CP) in Japan. The history of Japan's CP has been strongly influenced by the U.S. model at its initial stage. Only a few years after the Swampscott conference, CP was introduced in Japan, followed by a series of community psychology symposia (1975-1998) and the launching of Japanese Society of Community Psychology (1998-2003), and several translated textbooks and active research helped establish the field. An analytic review of research studies in the Japanese Journal of Community Psychology (1997-2003), in comparison with several U.S.-based reviews, shows that the U.S. model has influenced all aspects of the Japanese community research and practice. Even though community-oriented research and action is well appreciated among those Japanese researchers and practitioners who identify themselves with CP, our analyses show that most research has been conducted at the individual level or school settings focusing particularly on personal adjustment. We also highlight the importance of formulating adequate training programs that can work effectively with school systems and other community settings in which most research and intervention or actions would take place. Finally, a cross-cultural model is proposed to enhance the understanding and promotion of CP seeking to be a more distinctive field in Japan. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.