“How is APA really going to make a difference on big societal issues?” someone recently asked me. I understood the skepticism. Given the complexity of so many seemingly intractable issues facing our nation, how is it possible for one organization, or even the field of psychology, to have meaningful impact?
As we have focused more intently on applying psychological knowledge to some of society’s most challenging issues, we have gained valuable insights into how best to leverage APA’s considerable brain trust, particularly working through partnerships.
Here are three strategies that APA is using in our partnerships to accomplish this.
- Providing the scientific foundation for key policy positions that other groups take. Increasingly, organizations are turning to APA for science to support their work on critical societal issues. For example, through a presidential task force, member experts have developed science-based recommendations around youth and social media that support concerned teachers and parents, inform pediatricians, help to hold technology companies accountable, and can be shared with our partners who are seeking the science underlying this issue.
- Another insight we have gained is the enhanced power of working within coalitions to advance our priorities. While this seemingly slows us down, it actually enables psychology to have greater influence. For instance, within many mental health coalitions, APA is promoting the need to reframe behavioral health around a population health paradigm (PDF, 149KB)opens in new window, consistent with recently adopted APA policy. By getting others to use our science in their work, psychology’s voice is amplified.
- APA also supplies influential partners with information they can use to address major issues and share with their extensive networks. For example, last year many of APA’s organizational psychologists worked with U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy to inform his workplace mental health framework, which is being used and disseminated nationwide. Using the latest psychological science, APA continues to help Murthy guide diverse workforces around the country on implementing the framework’s principles. From audiences in governmental agencies to Fortune 500 companies, psychology’s reach is being escalated because of these critical partnerships.
How are we going to make a real difference? By elevating the work of the field and building partnerships that enable greater reach and impact.
