Her Optimal Conceptual Theory led to the development of an African-centered therapy
This profile can be shared with students to enhance the visibility of psychologists of diverse backgrounds. As an additional activity, students can be asked to conduct research to learn more about the psychologist and their work. An alternative assignment could be to ask students to find other psychologists of diverse backgrounds whose work falls into this content pillar. Keywords highlight how psychological scientists study concepts within and across pillars.
Dr. Myersopens in new window is a Black woman scholar, clinical psychologist, and professor emeritus. She is currently a professor at The Ohio State University (where she also received a PhD). Dr. Myers has received numerous honors and awards in recognition of her scholarly contributions to psychology. For example, she was named Distinguished Psychologist by the Association of Black Psychologists and she won the Bethune/Woodson Award for Outstanding Contributions in the Development of Promotion of Black Studies from the National Council of Black Studies. Dr. Myers is also a past president of the Association of Black Psychologists.
Dr. Myers developed the theory of Optimal Psychology or Optimal Conceptual Theory (OCT). Optimal psychology argues there is an optimal—or most ideal way—of viewing the world. This worldview emphasizes that all living people and things are interconnected. OCT provides a framework for shifting consciousness to experience a healthy, holistic, integrative reality. Aligned with OCT, Dr. Myers developed Belief Systems Analysis (BSA) an African-centered-based therapy.
Myers, L. J., Anderson, M., Lodge, T., Speight, S., & Queener, J. E. (2018). Optimal theory’s contributions to understanding and surmounting global challenges to humanity. Journal of Black Psychology, 44(8), 747–771. https://doi-org/10.1177/0095798418813240opens in new window
Myers, L. J., Lodge, T., Speight, S. L., & Haggins, K. (2022). The necessity of an emic paradigm in psychology. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 62(4), 488-515. https://doi.org/10.1177/00221678211048568opens in new window
Race, Development, Culture, Health and Wellness
The development of resources to broaden diversity and representation in the teaching of high school psychology resources is an APA Committee of Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools initiative supported by funding from the American Psychological Foundation David and Carol Myers Fund. This resource was developed by Eric Castro, Shawn C.T. Jones, PhD, Allyn Olsen, and Catherine Sanderson, PhD.