APA 2024, presidential candidates, rural psychologists, and more

APA 2024 Seattle + Virtual will be held August 8–10, bringing together leading researchers, innovative practitioners, and thought leaders from across psychology to share new ideas and new research and learn how psychology is addressing society’s biggest challenges. The three Main Stage events will focus on fostering connection; protecting the public from health misinformation; and the exciting uses for artificial intelligence in psychology. The three Science Summit topics are “The Science on Promoting Social Equity,” “The Science of Physical Activity: Supporting Health Performance,” and “The Science on Technology and Human Behavior.” All-access registration offers 1,000 hours of in-person programming, including more than 900 sessions from APA’s 54 divisions, more than 200 continuing education workshops, and more. Learn more and register at APA 2024.

APA’s updated Project Assessment (PASS) features an easier-to-use website with a digital library of assignments, quizzes, and other tools to assess student learning, plus new assessments that more closely align with APA’s Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major. Psychology educators can download and reproduce any of the resources to use in their classes at no cost. APA will continue to add new material to the site throughout the year.

APA Division 31 (State, Provincial, and Territorial Psychological Associations) has launched a rural health section to unite psychologists of all subspecialties who are working in rural areas or interested in rural mental health. The section offers culturally relevant support and collaboration for rural clinicians and researchers to help them address the hardships facing their communities and serve high-need patients managing the complex life challenges of rural and underserved areas. Become a Division 31 member and join the Rural Health Section for no additional cost. The section will also host a presentation at APA 2024 on integrated care and rural health. Learn more on the Rural Health Section website.

As part of their ongoing collaboration, APA and Sesame Workshop—the creative minds behind Sesame Street—have teamed up again to launch a new suite of science-backed resources and tools that parents and caregivers of preschool-age children can use to support children’s emotional well-being. Psychologists recommended by APA helped Sesame Workshop develop the resources, which are carefully vetted to ensure they are evidence-based and family friendly. Find them and other media at Sesame Workshopopens in new window.

See “Meet the candidates for APA’s 2026 president” in this issue for statements about their experience, vision, and priorities for the association. The candidates are Beth N. Rom-Rymer, PhD; Wendi S. Williams, PhD; Peter Oppenheimer, PhD; and Grant J. Rich, PhD. Use the QR code in the article to vote. Voting opens August 1 and runs through September 16.

All of the presidential candidates will be answering questions on important topics throughout the summer at APA Elections.

Many people are experiencing stress about the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Social psychologist Brett Q. Ford, PhD, and political scientist Kevin Smith, PhD, joined APA’s award-winning Speaking of Psychology podcast to talk about how political stress affects people’s well-being; what high levels of political stress mean for people’s lives, the United States, and democracy; and how to stay politically engaged while still maintaining your mental health. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts.

Answers to many of your questions may be found on APA’s website; for phone service, call (800) 374-2721; for story ideas or comments, contact Editor in Chief Trent Spiner.