Psychology for human rights
Note: This opinion piece reflects my own personal views and not those of any group with which I am affiliated. I was not present at the meeting I describe below. Last weekend, the 180-member governing Council of Representatives of the American Psychological Association held its annual midwinter meeting in Washington, DC. In a series of crucial …
Continue reading “APA’s Council Meeting: Human Rights Win, Fear Loses”
Note: This opinion piece reflects my personal views and not those of any group with which I am affiliated. As a matter of transparency, my application to be a member of the Collaborative of Jewish Psychologists was rejected. More than two decades ago, when thousands of Muslim men and boys were being abused and tortured in U.S. …
Continue reading “Misguided: APA’s New Collaborative of Jewish Psychologists”
“When I use a word,” Humpty Dumpty said in rather a scornful tone, “it means just what I choose it to mean — neither more nor less.” “The question is,” said Alice, “whether you can make words mean so many different things.” “The question is,” said Humpty Dumpty, “which is to be master — that’s …
Continue reading “The Weaponizers of Antisemitism Have Come for the APA”
Some personal reflections on the profession of psychology and our responsibilities as we approach 100 days of authoritarian cruelty and corruption. Psychologists here in the United States represent a range of backgrounds and areas of expertise. But I believe we all share the recognition that protecting human and civil rights is essential — not only for the …
Continue reading “Psychologists Must Condemn This Assault on Human and Civil Rights”
The statement below was issued in January 2025 by the Society for the Study of Peace, Conflict, and Violence (Division 48 of the American Psychological Association). As the Society’s current president, I am pleased to share it with readers. A PDF version is available online here. Psychologists Call for Justice and Accountability: Confronting the Atrocities Against Palestinian …
The American Psychological Association (APA) — one of the world’s largest organizations of healthcare clinicians, researchers, and educators — contends that it “prioritizes human rights advocacy” and “encourages psychologists to support and advocate for populations at risk of human rights violations, including marginalized populations both domestically and globally.” But if APA leaders want to truly honor that commitment, …
For today’s engaged citizens, there’s no shortage of pressing concerns that demand attention: social and economic inequality, inadequate access to health care, persecution and violence on the basis of belief or group identity, assaults on civil rights and personal dignity, and profound environmental threats to the planet itself. As president of Psychologists for Social Responsibility …
In recent weeks, new revelations about the harsh interrogation and torture of detainees during the Bush administration years have made headlines and stirred controversy. The positions of prominent advocates and opponents on each side are clear. But what do we know about how the American people in general have come to view the use of …
Continue reading “How Americans Think About Torture-and Why”