Sharon Stephens Brehm, PhD, was awarded a Presidential Citation for being an inspirational APA president whose expertise spanned education, science and practice, and for advocating for the integration of clinical, developmental and social psychology.
Professor emeritus in Indiana University’s department of psychological and brain sciences, Brehm’s groundbreaking scholarship enhanced our understanding of social psychology and social and intimate relationships. Her presidential initiative, Blueprint for Change: Integrated Health Care for an Aging Population, drew on her experience of having a mother with Alzheimer’s disease and her recognition that an uncoordinated approach to health care does not work. This was one of APA’s earliest efforts to promote integrated health care. Her contributions live on, underpinning policy efforts in health reform, education on integrated care and a 2014 convention workshop, Building on Sharon Brehm’s Integrated Care Vision: Training Conference on Integrated Care in Aging and Primary Care. Now, as an individual with Alzheimer’s disease, she provides inspiration by promoting enhanced understanding of and services for the disease. She is truly living with, not dying from, Alzheimer’s and deserves all psychologists’ acclaim and respect.