WASHINGTON — Following is the statement of Rosie Phillips Davis, PhD, president of the American Psychological Association, on the deadly shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand:
“The American Psychological Association extends its deepest condolences to the families of those who were killed, to the injured survivors and their families, and to the greater New Zealand Muslim community. The shootings at two mosques in New Zealand were horrific crimes not only because of the senseless loss of life but also because they targeted Muslims in their place of worship in the community in which they live. We understand that people victimized by hate crimes are likely to experience more acute distress than victims of other violent crimes. Psychologists and other mental health professionals can offer those in distress the comfort, guidance and counseling they need to maintain their resilience in the midst of such shock and grief.
“These shootings point up the need for more scientific research into the causes of extremist violence, as well as the role of social media in the spread of dangerous, hate-filled rhetoric. We must find evidence-based solutions to prevent and effectively challenge the Islamophobic and anti-immigrant ideologies and associated violence that threaten the physical and mental health of Muslims across the world.”
Read APA's letter to the New Zealand Psychological Societyopens in new window (PDF, 137KB).
For people who are suffering distress or just want to understand anti-Muslim bias, here are some resources:
- Speaking of Psychology: After New Zealand — The Spread of Extremism in the Digital Age
- Why Do Some With Radical Views Become Terrorists Yet Others Don't?
- Islamophobia and the psychological impact of anti-Muslim sentiment
- The Family & Youth Instituteopens in new window
- Muslim Wellness Foundationopens in new window
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 more than 118,000 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.