WASHINGTON — The American Psychological Association today announced formation of a new office focused on applied psychology, a branch of the field that uses psychological research, theory and methods to address real-world issues.
The establishment of APA’s Office of Applied Psychology is part of a larger commitment to elevate the association’s focus on applied psychology, better serve members and raise psychology’s profile among the public and key decision makers in the many settings where psychology can add value and improve outcomes.
“There has never been a more critical time for APA to commit to applied psychology,” said Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, APA’s chief executive officer. “Applied psychologists address concrete problems and develop practical solutions to some of the toughest challenges facing society today. As a field, psychology has an obligation to use its knowledge to make a difference in the world.”
Applied psychology spans diverse areas, including business and industry, design and engineering, education, law, natural and built environments, sports and technology.
This renewed focus on applied psychology launches in conjunction with the association’s new strategic plan, created in part to help prepare the discipline and profession of psychology for the future and make a positive impact on critical societal issues.
APA’s commitment to applied psychology initially involves:
- Expanding APA’s interdisciplinary Technology, Mind & Society conference, which debuted in 2018.
- Publishing a new APA journal, Technology, Mind, and Behavior, focusing on human-technology interaction with a focus on human behavior at the individual or group level.
- Increasing the visibility of APA’s Psychologically Healthy Workplace Program, including educating employers and industry groups about how psychological science can improve the workplace.
- Building upon APA’s longstanding collaboration with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health on the international Work, Stress, and Health conference that focuses on occupational health psychology.
- Dedicating advocacy resources to applied psychology issues.
- Establishing a time-limited advisory group representing the breadth of applied psychology that will help shape the future direction of APA’s applied psychology efforts.
These initiatives will be led by David W. Ballard, PsyD, MBA, and will include the current work of the APA Center for Organizational Excellence, which focuses on applying psychological science to workplace settings.
“Applied psychology is important to APA because of the powerful impact it has in the world,” said Ballard, who holds a doctorate in clinical psychology with concentrations in organizational and forensic psychology. “Wherever people face a challenge, applied psychologists can help them understand the relevant issues and find solutions. APA’s commitment to this work can make a profound difference in how society uses and values that expertise.”
The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA's membership includes nearly 115,700 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives.