What

The American Psychological Association is bringing experts to Capitol Hill for a briefing to examine the benefits of having a job and the serious effect of unemployment on mental and physical health. The briefing will present the latest information about the psychological impact related to employment, as well as examples of successful programs to assist the unemployed.  

Who

Richard Price, PhD, University of Michigan, Institute for Social Research, will discuss the psychological benefits of work and the effects of unemployment on individuals and families.

Arthur Goldsmith, PhD, Washington and Lee University, will explore the societal impact of unemployment and policy proposals that promote employment from an economic perspective.

Denny Abbott, Workforce Alliance, Belle Glade, Fla., will discuss programs to help the unemployed and promote business in South Florida.

Representatives of Jubilee Jobs, Washington, D.C., will discuss their experiences with re-employment programs.

When

Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011
Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Where

2103 Rayburn House Office Building
Independence Avenue and South Capitol Street
Washington, DC 20003

Background

People not only benefit economically from their jobs; mental and physical health are significantly affected by the psychological distress of unemployment. And the consequences extend far beyond individuals to their families, friends and communities. In the coming weeks, Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.) is set to reintroduce the National Commission on Employment and Economic Security Act of 2011, legislation that addresses the critical issues related to unemployment. This legislation would establish a national commission on employment and economic insecurity and its effect on Americans’ mental health.

For More Information 

Contact Krysta Jones, APA senior legislative and federal affairs officer at, (202) 336-5931.

The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States and is the world's largest association of psychologists. APA's membership includes more than 154,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance psychology as a science, as a profession and as a means of promoting health, education and human welfare.