Analyzed empirical articles (N = 235) in the American Journal of Community Psychology and the Journal of Community Psychology for their methodological structure and contextual influences from 1984-1988. The study focused upon types of research designs, sampling procedures, designs for measurement, dependent variables, characteristics of research participants, author characteristics, and topic areas among other indicators. Analyses were similar to Lounsbury et al. (1980) so that changes over time couM be examined. Findings relative to Lounsbury et al. (1980) include greater numbers of field studies, more correlational approaches, a shift away from research topics on mental health services and programs in favor of studies focused on specific problem areas, and populations drawn increasingly from community settings. Results suggest changes in social context and methodological paradigms influence the conduct of empirical research. Additionally, changes in our research base may reflect changes in the field's understanding of the kinds of research it shouM be pursuing.Just over 10 years ago, several analyses critiqued the research base of community psychology

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Some neighbourhood environments have become dumping grounds for locally unwanted land uses (LULUs) that middle-class Americans do not want near their homes. LULUs may combine with other pariah land uses to collectively undermine the quality of the local environment, reduce investment, government services, the proportion of middleincome people and associated businesses. As important neighbourhood attributes are lost, illegal activities, derelict structures, trash-strewn lots and the concentration of poor and unhealthy people may increase. This paper describes the theory behind the impact of pariah land uses through examples of the downward spiral experienced by Camden, New Jersey and the south Bronx, New York. It then documents the experience of one community, Elizabethport, New Jersey, in reversing that downward spiral. Success in Elizabethport came from the synergistic activities of local, state and federal governments, community groups, and not-for-profit organizations as they struggled to regain control through local environmental management, rebuilding, and reducing crime. Social capital was also strengthened by using a local community health concern-that of childhood asthma. Efforts to reverse the downward spiral of urban decay from pariah land uses should be multifaceted, spurred by local efforts that address local concerns.

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