Percepções de psicólogos sobre as dinâmicas territoriais na construção de ações promotoras da saúde

Abstract

Objective: To analyze potentialities, challenges and limitations of a territory for the construction of health promotion actions based on the perception of psychologists working in a region. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in May 2018 with 15 psychologists working in the territory of the southern region of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Data were collected from four focus groups. Data underwent content analysis and three thematic categories emerged: Potentialities of the territory for health promotion actions; Challenges and limitations to develop health promotion actions in the territory; Health-promoting psychology in the territory. Results: The potentialities were the cultural diversity and the possibility of working through art. The challenges and limitations highlighted were networking and lack of support at work. There is a need for an extended and contextualized work and for constant training. Conclusion: Recognizing the potentiality in the territory involves broadening professionals’ horizons at work and creating spaces for subjective and collective production. It also involves recognizing the limitations of the place, which include difficulties in offering and articulating services and the neglect of basic rights within the community. Thus, focus should be placed on continuing training and on the legitimacy of the work in the context of primary care.