Candidates for APA President
Q3. What would you do to lead the profession to address the needs of an increasingly diverse and global society?
Increased diversity in psychology and its leadership is essential for broadening our dialogue on psychological issues and for preparing ourselves to serve an increasingly diverse population. Frankly, there is nothing we can do that is more likely to enhance the attractiveness of the field for individuals of diverse backgrounds than to ensure the viability of psychology as a career, so that people see the investment in training needed to become a psychologist as worthwhile. Beyond that, we must continue to improve our mentoring systems to encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue positions across psychological disciplines and in APA governance.
Q4. Given the current economic situation and budget deficits in APA, what would be your top priorities and why?
We must refocus on those activities that best enhance the status of psychology in society. This includes more effectively informing the public about the implications of psychological science for their lives, enhancing opportunities for psychologists in practice and increasing our involvement in addressing social problems. Far too much energy in APA is devoted to activities that ultimately will have little impact on the viability of the discipline or its place in society. Economic stress gives us an opportunity to refocus on those activities with the greatest payoff for psychology and/or society.
