Psychology curriculum courses analysis in Ribeirão Preto region: a strategy for understanding psychologists training to work in primary health care

• Grant number: 06/03881-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2006
• End date: September 30, 2007
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology - Social Psychology
• Principal Investigator: Cristiane Paulin Simon
• Grantee: Milena Shimada
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria Adjunta de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação. Universidade de Franca (UNIFRAN). Franca , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In the past three decades many changes have been occurring in the practice of psychologists, thus, raising questions concerning the formation of such professional. Several studies regarding psychologist´s work in health services reveal little specific knowledge and lack of skills necessary to work in this field. In this way, it is relevant to analyze the current state of undergraduate courses in psychology, also, it is necessary to argue whether this panorama has changed in response to new demands and changes in health services. Based on theoretical reflections about the practice of psychologists in public health, this study aims to analyze the current situation of the undergraduate courses of psychology in health in the region of Ribeirão Preto (state of São Paulo – Brazil), either in public or private schools. The data will be obtained by a questionnaire applied to the coordinators of these courses in order to survey the academic cast of disciplines and undergraduate training, in health and public health fields. We will also take advantage of additional data sources such as: a) laws and norms that rule the Brazilian Health Care System (SUS); b) Newest new curricular guidelines for the teaching of psychology and articles. The data as whole will be analyzed under the social constructionism perspective, as social products, looking for the understanding of the process of social construction in psychology through the years, as well as, how that construction influence and crystalizes the practice of the psychologist in primary health care