As a field, we find ourselves with two challenges when it comes to applying psychological knowledge to the critical issues of the day—a major priority of our strategic plan. First, the public often does not know there is a relevant body of psychological knowledge related to the issues with which they may be struggling. Second, psychologists must better translate what we know, particularly our science, and share information in ways that are more accessible to decision-makers and the broader public.
APA’s intentional approach to these two challenges has been to show the relevance of psychological knowledge in domains like technology, business, education, communications, and others, and to capitalize on opportunities to elevate the important work of our members.
For example, in May APA released a health advisory on social media use in adolescence, developed by a task force established by APA President Thema Bryant, PhD, which completed its work in less than 3 months. Historically, APA would have approached this work very differently, taking perhaps a year to produce a report that would not have been framed in a way that was easily accessible to the public, media, and policymakers. Building on the groundwork of staff, the panel was able to quickly synthesize science from areas like developmental, cognitive, neuro, and social psychology, turning complex research into digestible recommendations for educators, parents, policymakers, health practitioners, technology companies, and youth themselves (see Teens and social media).
The result was a resounding success: The work garnered 3,270 media mentions and over 600,000 impressions on social media. Media of note included The New York Times, The Washington Post, The TODAY Show, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, CNBC, NBC News, FOX News, Bloomberg, USA Today, The New York Post, Politico, The Hill, Tech Crunch, TIME magazine, MSNBC, and NPR. Because this advisory positioned psychology as a leader on this issue, we were able to get this work widely disseminated to key children’s mental health stakeholders, including members of Congress and the Biden administration.
Our field must continue to help people understand psychology as a “hub science” that is critical to solving many of the complex issues they face. Thanks to so many of you who are already doing this kind of work. By strategically packaging information for the public, creatively using platforms that already exist, and forming partnerships for greater reach, psychology can have more of an impact than ever before.
