Science, public policy, and legal recognition of same-sex relationships.

In their comments on my article discussing the social science data relevant to societal recognition of same-sex committed relationships (see record 2006-11202-004), Rosik and Byrd (see record 2007-14606-024) and Schiller (see record 2007-14606-025) criticized aspects of my analysis and raised questions about the role of psychology in policy debates concerning sexual orientation. In the limited space available here, I first respond to their specific criticisms and then briefly consider the broader policy question. Both comments raised questions about whether and how psychologists should address policy issues related to sexual orientation. Rosik and Byrd advocated what they called a "measured approach" that "would distinguish the social scientist from the social activist" (p. 712). In practice, however, their measured approach apparently allows for vague constructs (e.g., men's "uncivilized" sexual nature), accepts conservative social activists' assumptions (e.g., about the necessity of marital "gender complementarity"), and ignores data that contradict their predictions (e.g., Badgett, 2004). Thus, it clearly is inadequate as a source for guidance. As for Tyler's fourth criterion (see record 200714606-026), it is difficult to know if and how psychologists' efforts in this arena will be effective. Regardless of the ultimate policy outcome, however, to the extent that we successfully communicate accurate information about the current state of scientific knowledge on sexual orientation and same-sex relationships, we will have remained true to our commitment to take a leading role in removing the stigma associated with homosexuality. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychology and public policy affecting children, youth, and families.

Although US children and youth remain an underserved group, some members of the psychological community have become deeply involved since the 1970s in shaping public policy toward this population. Efforts include examination of the relationship between knowledge and policy, the process of policy formulation, the efficacy of programs for children, and training programs in child development and social policy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Violent children: Bridging development, intervention, and public policy.

Childhood violence is a major public health and social policy concern in the United States. Scientists and policymakers alike have increasingly turned their attention to the causes of childhood violence and the extent to which its course can be modified through well-planned preventive interventions. However, it is not apparent that policymakers draw upon basic research findings in formulating their priorities and policies, nor is it apparent that developmental scientists incorporate policy considerations and prevention findings into their research frameworks and designs. The goal of this special issue on violent children is to begin to bridge the gaps among basic developmental science, prevention science, and public policy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychology and social policy for children: Introduction to the section.

The relationship between developmental psychology and social policy has led to work on topics such as the lack of a national policy on children's welfare and research on children, consideration of how judicial and psychological interests may complement each other in the area of children's rights, child advocacy, and the interface between psychology and education. (0 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

How to influence social policy affecting children and families.

Discusses recent legislative trends in child and family policy, sociopolitical forces behind those trends, and ways in which pro-children's groups can affect ongoing or future legislation. The effects of budget cuts in federal funding for daycare, child nutrition, and child support programs are described. It is asserted that, to make significant progress affecting children and families, a broader coalition of children's groups, encompassing members of both political parties and the interests of children whose mothers work at home and whose mothers are part of the work force, must be formed. Strong and effective federal agencies are needed to provide the focal point for developing and implementing policy. (6 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychology, research, and social policy.

Contends that although it is important and timely for psychologists to be concerned with the interface between psychological research and social policy, academic and research psychologists may encounter problems in relating or adapting their research to matters of policy. For some researchers, there are few problems because their focus of research has both theoretical and policy relevance (e.g., those exploring the scientific question at hand with relevant populations or in policy-connected settings). However, it is suggested that the larger group of behavioral scientists are engaged in research that is more removed from immediate practicality or policy relatedness. It is argued that the ideal solution is not to promote the wholesale conversion of research scientists to redirect their scientific inquiry so that it deals directly with issues of policy. Rather, suggestions are tendered for the melding of policy concerns into research that maintains its relevance to the discipline and to issues of psychological theory or practice while touching also on issues of relevance to social policy. A classification model of social scientists involved with policy is included. (32 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Ageism, psychology, and public policy.

Chronological age—either young or old—may be the basis for prejudicial attitudes, discriminatory practices, and institutional policies. The importance and role of ageism differs greatly between societies, such as the United States and Japan. Psychological research has documented a variety of examples of negative attitudes toward older people in the United States, but these results may reflect the methods used or may indicate a preference for age similarity rather than prejudice against the aged. Vulnerability to ageism in old age is associated demographically with being a woman, living alone, and having a poor health status. Discriminatory attitudes, mental health services, and employment policies are examples of the interface of ageism and psychology. Ageism may be reduced by emphasizing diversity among older people, paying attention to compensations for reduced abilities, and developing public policy based on need rather than on age. The importance of ageism as a psychological issue must be recognized and included in the public debate. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychologists, Congress, and public policy.

As professional psychologists become increasingly involved in shaping health care policy in our nation, it is imperative that they understand the various forces that influence congressional members to enact legislation. This article examines two major issues: (a) Congress's cautious and restrained approach to health care policy and (b) preemption and the relationship between Congress and the states. Understanding these issues will enable psychologists to become more effective representatives of both the professional and societal interests of professional psychology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Science, sanity, and ESP.

Responds to R. A. McConnell's (see record 1969-16553-001) question concerning psychologists' lack of interest in ESP. As long as ESP retains its status as a strictly empirical phenomenon, without psychological precedent or relevance, psychology will ignore it. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Battered women, psychology, and public policy.

Reviews the role that psychologists have played in affecting changes in public policy regarding domestic violence over the past decade. Testimony by expert witnesses has rebutted myths that prevented battered women who killed their abusers from receiving fair trials. Three case vignettes are presented to illustrate how psychological knowledge has helped the judicial system to develop public policy. Because organized psychology has submitted amicus curiae briefs in this area, appellate court cases now usually support the admissibility of a psychologist's testimony as to the battered woman's perception of danger and the reasonableness of her perception of the need for self-defense. The public impact of high-visibility battered women cases is discussed. (28 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Disability, health care, and public policy.

Efforts to persuade policymakers to rely on data to plan health care services for people with a disability or a chronic illness must confront the fact that many competing definitions of disability are currently used. It is important to recognize that pressures for standardization as well as disputes over disability definitions take place in a broader social and political context. Despite the practical difficulties facing researchers and the highly charged atmosphere in which disagreements over definitions must be managed, researchers have made progress in developing policy-relevant data that underline the importance of the health needs of people with a disability. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Equality, public policy, and professional psychology.

Views psychologists as having substantial roles to play in the advocacy, development, and implementation of federal, state, and local policies that promote equality. Research, evaluation, education, and consultation are considered important components of strategies that professional psychologists can use to effect change. Specifically, the roles of psychologists in formulating public health care practices and in understanding the impact of child care services are discussed. (29 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Science and alcohol policy at the local level: a respectful partnership

The new good clinical practice (GCP) regulations established by the Ministry of Health and welfare aim to promote clinical trials of new drugs that are ethical, reliable, and scientifically sound. According to these regulations, utmost importance should be placed on considerations of trial participant safety, welfare and the protection of his or her human rights. To this end, the responsibilities of the sponsor, the institution at which the trials are conducted, and the physician in charge have been clarified. These regulations stipulate that a system must be established which makes it possible for a third party to verify the course and conduct of a clinical trial. The new GCP regulations not only set standards for the development of new drugs, they also mark the beginning of a new era in medical science and treatment in Japan.     

Public policy, ethics, government, and law.

Contends that public policy reflects doubt about the effectiveness of professional self-regulation. Alternatives to professional self-regulation have come to the fore, as documented by increased governmental (licensing) regulation and escalation of legal (malpractice) actions. Endorsement of actions (e.g., through allocation of resources) and proactive efforts to circumvent the development of problems (e.g., planning and prevention) are preferred to legislative regulation. A recommendation of macrointervention (focusing on the child but accepting that he/she is part of the human system) is outlined. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychology, public policy, and the evidence for alcohol intoxication.

Discusses the legal requirement that alcoholic beverage purveyors not serve apparently intoxicated persons in terms of the ability of nonmedical observers to detect intoxication. Three experiments tested the ability of 49 members of a university community (aged 18–25 yrs), 12 bartenders (aged 21–39 yrs), and 30 police officers (aged 23–50 yrs) to identify sober, moderately intoxicated, and legally drunk targets after observing them for several minutes. All of the S groups correctly rated the targets' level of intoxication less than 25% of the time, and the accuracy of ratings deteriorated as the targets' level of intoxication increased. Police officers performed somewhat better in an arrest analog than in a laboratory condition, and a subgroup of 5 officers showed a high level of accuracy. Findings indicate that the detection of intoxication requires special skill and that the standard of judgment legally required of bartenders is unreasonable. (6 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)