Communi-Play: Exploring the Mindscape of Community in Psychology

If you have been following our blog since the new year, you will have noticed that we have mentioned that the “correlational model” is at the forefront of our work here at the Institute. But what does this really mean?

In math, the correlational model investigates relationships between variables. A correlational coefficient is a number between -1.0 and +1.0. The negative or positive, is a sign of the direction of the relationship, and the closer the number is to ±1.0, the stronger the relationship is.

At the institute, we are not quantifying our relationships; however, we ARE exploring relationships within the individual lives of our clients, and within the walls of our clinic. We are working to develop a sense of community here where we are all constantly learning, correcting, growing, and evolving, together!

Let’s start with the definition of community, as stated by Mariam Webster’s Dictionary:

Community (com∙mu∙ni∙ty)

*A unified body of individuals; such as,

1. The people with common interests living in a particular area

2. A group of people with common characteristics or interest living together within a larger society

3. A body of persons of common and especially professional interests scattered through a larger society

4. A body of persons or nations having a common history or common social, economic, and political interests

5. A group linked by a common policy.

6. An interacting population of various kinds of individuals in a common location

What does it mean to be a part of a community?

I think being a part of a community has many faces; but for me, it means being there for one another, in the ways that you’re able to show up that day, and be there, that day. I don’t think it looks the same day to day, or person to person. It is having a mutual respect and understanding for the people that you’re interacting with within your day. It is showing up as the best version of yourself, that you are capable of that day, realizing it is okay when that version isn’t 100%, and trusting those around you, in your community, that are willing and able to help you through those times. It is giving when you’re up, and accepting when you’re down.

Community isn’t subjected to family and friends, it goes beyond that. There is community in sports teams, within our work place, our places of worship, our volunteer mentors, our local community market, the gym, day-care centers, and of course, your psychology clinic, Victoria Assessment and Therapy Institute.

Benefits of Community?

There are several mental- and physical- health benefits of community involvement. Community involvement, or volunteering can provide an individual with meaning and purpose in their life; it focuses attention on something other than oneself and alleviates stress. Volunteer work offers opportunity to create new, and strengthen social ties, and protects against feelings of isolation. Giving to others, has also been known to administer a greater sense of self-worth and trust.

According to Watson (2013), research has demonstrated a correlation between individuals in mid-late adulthood (50+) who are regularly giving back to community, and blood pressure. The study shows that individuals who are more intertwined in community are less likely to develop high blood pressure. This is significant because high blood pressure is associated to probability of stroke, heart disease, and premature death.

Community at Victoria Assessment and Therapy Institute

At the clinic, we are working hard to establish our own community. We are planning on running a number of group therapy sessions including: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Group, Neurodivergent Group, Grief Support Group, and Mindfulness-Based, Stress Reduction Groups for Students; we have also started a peer mentor group, where clients of the clinic act as mentors for other clients who have experienced similar struggles!

We acknowledge the importance of community and encourage you to be a part of ours! Let’s work on growing our support network, together!

References

Marriam-Webster. (2023) Community. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved March 09, 2023, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/community

Watson, S., (June 26, 2013). Volunteering may be good for body and mind. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/volunteering-may-be-good-for-body-and-mind-201306266428