In this issue of the Monitor, we debut a new series, "More Impact Together," to showcase how we as psychologists can address critical societal issues by working together across our various areas of expertise and across our different—yet interdependent—roles as basic scientists, applied scientists, clinicians, consultants, educators, policy influencers and others. This month’s article explores the ways psychologists are responding to the suicide crisis. The key takeaway is that the field of psychology can have the greatest impact when we draw upon our different perspectives, experiences and areas of expertise, as well as those of other disciplines.
To get an appreciation for the breadth of our discipline, you need only look at the wide range of specialized expertise of our 54 divisions in such areas as experimental psychology and cognitive science; educational psychology; clinical psychology; and the psychological study of social issues. While the work we do in our various subfields varies greatly, no one area of our discipline alone can successfully address the complexity of the societal problems we face. For every challenge, we need to bring forth our best skills, best thinking and best science.
It is also the case that a success in one area of psychology is a win for the entire field since all of our boats rise and fall together. When APA’s advocacy is effective in increasing reimbursement rates for clinicians or in preventing rate cuts, access to psychological services is increased, highlighting psychology’s contributions to health care and raising the visibility of our field for all psychologists. Similarly, when APA helps to secure federal funding for psychological research, it is not only a win for scientists, but a gain for all psychologists because it reflects policymakers’ increased recognition of psychology as a valuable scientific resource.
How can we come together in that way? Let’s strengthen our communication across our areas of expertise. Our strong psychological science should inform our clinical and applied practice. The real-world experiences of psychologists with their clients—whether individuals or organizations—should inform the research we conduct. Our psychological research, in turn, needs to inform public policy, and the work psychologists do in communities should guide our public policy research.
Let’s first remember to think beyond our individual areas of expertise. We can always have more impact together.
