Award for Distinguished Contributions to the International Advancement of Psychology: Judith V. Torney-Purta.

Judith V. Torney-Purta, recipient of the Award for Distinguished Contributions to the International Advancement of Psychology, is cited for leadership of rigorous research on the development of democratic attitudes and civic knowledge among adolescents from more than 30 countries that has served as a catalyst for education and youth policy reform. Torney-Purta led research projects that are prime examples of international collaboration. She drew on these experiences in contributing to an initiative on international collaboration among behavioral and social scientists sponsored by the U.S. National Committee for the International Union of Psychological Science. Along with the citation, a biography and selected bibliography of Torney-Purta's works are presented. Also included is her paper, entitled "International psychological research that matters for policy and practice," a version of which she presented at the American Psychological Association's annual convention. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Allez jouer dehors! Contributions de l'environnement urbain au développement et au bien-être des enfants.

This article brings together knowledge from environmental, community, developmental and health psychology for two purposes: The first is to examine the influence of the urban environment on children's wellness and on how children benefit from their environment to play and develop. The second objective presents recommendations regarding intervention, research and social policy for psychologists to follow favouring children's development within the urban environment. We focus on two urban environments: Spaces adjoining their residence provide children with stimulation, opportunities to run around, play and explore the physical and social world, develop personal identity, self-esteem and enhance their ability to deal with stress. The second urban environment we focus on are playgrounds, which can also serve children's physical, cognitive and social developmental needs. Physical, cognitive and psychological limitations make children vulnerable to traffic accidents. The article continues with the presentation of an action plan. There are a number of ways to increase place attachment and sense of belonging within the neighborhood so that children can play safely. (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)     

Multicultural policy in Canada: A social psychological analysis.

Argues that social psychologists in Canada have an important role to play in policy analysis and evaluation. The multiculturalism policy of the federal government is proposed as one policy area for which social psychological theory and research may be particularly relevant. The policy is outlined and a number of social psychological issues and assumptions in the policy are identified, including group maintenance and development, intergroup contact and sharing, and group acceptance and tolerance. Generally, the policy seems to be supported by theory and empirical findings, but there is a need to guard against possible countereffects. It is argued that more long-term programmatic research is required in social policy areas if social psychologists are to make a useful contribution. (French abstract) (49 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Air bag safety: Media coverage, popular conceptions, and public policy.

Federal regulation of air bags has followed an uncertain course in recent years; air bags have been perceived as a panacea but are now considered potential killers. The authors examine the interplay of media coverage, lay perceptions of risk, and public policy in the context of air bag regulation. They review communications research on media presentations of health and safety risks and the relationship of these findings to social psychological research on the determinants of perceived risk. Two original studies provide corroborating evidence that national print media depict air bags as riskier than warranted by objective data (Study 1) and that measurable indicators of this bias, when systematically manipulated, influence readers' attitudes toward disconnection of air bags as well as damage awards in a hypothetical tort suit against a car manufacturer (Study 2). Implications of media risk communication for safety regulation are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Children of lesbian and gay parents: Psychology, law, and policy.

Legal and policy questions relevant to the lives of lesbian and gay parents and their children have recently been subjects of vigorous debate. Among the issues for which psychological research has been seen as particularly relevant are questions regarding child custody after divorce, same-sex marriage, adoption, and foster care. This article provides an overview of the current legal terrain for lesbian and gay parents and their children in the United States today, an overview of relevant social science research, and some commentary on the interface between the two. It is concluded that research findings on lesbian and gay parents and their children provide no warrant for legal discrimination against these families. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Science, ethnicity, and bias: Where have we gone wrong?

The quality, quantity, and funding of ethnic minority research have been inadequate. One factor that has contributed to this inadequacy is the practice of scientific psychology. Although principles of psychological science involve internal and external validity, in practice psychology emphasizes internal validity in research studies. Because many psychological principles and measures have not been cross-validated with different populations, those conducting ethnic minority research often have a more difficult time demonstrating rigorous internal validity. Thus, psychology's overemphasis of internal as opposed to external validity has differentially hindered the development of ethnic minority research. To develop stronger research knowledge on ethnic minority groups, it is important that (a) all research studies address external validity issues and explicitly specify the populations to which the findings are applicable; (b) different research approaches, including the use of qualitative and ethnographic methods, be appreciated; and (c) the psychological meaning of ethnicity or race be examined in ethnic comparisons. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Award for Distinguished Contributions to Psychology in the Public Interest: Michael J. Saks.

The Awards for Distinguished Contributions to Psychology in the Public Interest recognize persons who, in the opinion of the Committee on Psychology in the Public Interest Awards, have advanced psychology as a science and/or profession by a single extraordinary achievement or a lifetime of outstanding contributions in the public interest. Michael J. Saks, one of the 1987 recipients, is recognized for successfully bringing psychological knowledge to bear on a wide range of legal and public policy concerns. Through his empirical research and creative applications of basic psychological research and theory, he has contributed to our knowledge of psychosocial assumptions in diverse areas of the law. As one of the rare psychologists who thinks like a lawyer, he has helped to increase the social sensitivity of the legal community and the legal and ethical sensitivity of the psychological community, with tremendous benefit to the public interest. In addition to the citation, a biography and selected bibliography of Saks' work are presented. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

How Changes in Population Demographics Will Impact Health Psychology: Incorporating a Broader Notion of Cultural Competence Into the Field.

U.S. population demographics are undergoing striking changes that will impact health care and the research and practice of health psychology. An increase in the number of people who are older; belong to an ethnic minority group; have disabilities; identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgendered; or live in poverty will influence definitions of aging, health, and illness, and will challenge current psychological and medical treatment models. The authors argue that health psychologists need to become context competent for the field to be relevant and viable over the course of this new century. Health psychologists need to become aware of the multiple, overlapping contexts in which people live and apply this knowledge on a regular basis to research, practice, education and training, and policy in health psychology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Guidelines for Psychological Practice With Girls and Women.

During recent decades, women and girls of diverse ethnicities, social classes, sexual orientations, and life experiences have encountered dramatic and complex changes in education, health, work, reproductive and caregiving roles, and personal relationships. Although many of these changes have resulted in increased equality, opportunity, and quality of life, girls and women are also at risk for a variety of health concerns and life stresses. The aim of this document is to articulate guidelines that will enhance gender- and culture-sensitive psychological practice with women and girls from all social classes, ethnic and racial groups, sexual orientations, and ability/disability statuses in the United States. These guidelines provide general recommendations for psychologists who seek to increase their awareness, knowledge, and skills in psychological practice with women and girls. The beneficiaries include all consumers of psychological practice, including clients, students, supervisees, research participants, consultees, and other health professionals. Although the guidelines and supporting literature place substantial emphasis on psychotherapy practice, the general guidelines are applicable to psychological practice in its broadest sense. Rather than offering a comprehensive review of content relevant to all areas of practice, this document provides examples of empirical and conceptual literature that support the need for practice guidelines. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Evolution of the Biopsychosocial Model: Prospects and Challenges for Health Psychology.

Although advances have been made in specifying connections between biological, psychological, and social processes, the full potential of the biopsychosocial model for health psychology remains untapped. In this article, 4 areas that need to be addressed to ensure the continued evolution of the biopsychosocial model are identified and a series of recommendations concerning initiatives directed at research, training, practice and intervention, and policy are delineated. These recommendations emphasize the need to better understand and utilize linkages among biological, psychological, social, and macrocultural variables. Activities that facilitate the adoption of a multisystem, multilevel, and multivariate orientation among scientists, practitioners, and policymakers will most effectively lead to the kinds of transdisciplinary contributions envisioned by the biopsychosocial perspective. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Automaticity in clinical psychology.

The authors provide an overview of the literature on the ability of response expectancies to elicit automatic responses in the form of self-fulfilling prophecies and link it to the broader psychological investigation of automatic processes. The authors review 3 areas of research in which response expectancies have been shown to affect experience, behavior, and physiology: placebo effects, the effects of false biofeedback on sexual arousal, and the alteration of perceptual and cognitive functions by hypnotic and nonhypnotic suggestion. Also reviewed are data suggesting that all behavior, including novel and intentional behavior, is initiated automatically. Following this review, the authors summarize some of the ways in which knowledge of response expectancy effects and other automatic processes that influence experience and behavior can enhance clinical practice. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Redefining the science-practice relationship and professional training.

A revised conception of the relationship between psychological science and professional practice is proposed in the light of postmodern changes in perspectives on knowledge. Positivistic science, which has dominated the traditional interpretation of scientist–practitioner training, is considered from a constructivist point of view to be only one possible foundation of psychological knowledge. It is argued that the knowledge base of the profession should be derived with diverse methods and from multiple sources, including the knowledge of practice. The mutuality of science and practice is emphasized. An evolving framework for understanding the epistemology of practice, based on cognitive psychology, is presented. Emphasis on broadened choices of research methods, the development of reflective skills, and better linkage between teaching in the domains of research and practice are urged. Suggestions for research related to scientific training and the knowledge processes of practice are offered. (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)     

Evidence-based treatment and practice: New opportunities to bridge clinical research and practice, enhance the knowledge base, and improve patient care.

The long-standing divide between research and practice in clinical psychology has received increased attention in view of the development of evidence-based interventions and practice and public interest, oversight, and management of psychological services. The gap has been reflected in concerns from those in practice about the applicability of findings from psychotherapy research as a guide to clinical work and concerns from those in research about how clinical work is conducted. Research and practice are united in their commitment to providing the best of psychological knowledge and methods to improve the quality of patient care. This article highlights issues in the research- practice debate as a backdrop for rapprochement. Suggestions are made for changes and shifts in emphases in psychotherapy research and clinical practice. The changes are designed to ensure that both research and practice contribute to our knowledge base and provide information that can be used more readily to improve patient care and, in the process, reduce the perceived and real hiatus between research and practice. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The Prejudicial Nature of Victim Impact Statements: Implications for Capital Sentencing Policy.

Victim impact evidence is presented during sentencing hearings to convey the harm experienced by victims and victims' relatives as a result of a crime. Its use in capital cases is highly controversial. Some argue that the Supreme Court's decision to allow the admission of victim impact statements (VIS) during capital sentencing proceedings (Payne v. Tennessee, 1991) invites prejudice and judgments based on emotion rather than reason. Others reason that it provides an important voice for survivors and affords the jury an opportunity to learn about the victim. The authors outline the chief psychological issues that arise in the context of VIS, including their relevance to jurors' judgments of blameworthiness, concerns that the social worth of the victim will influence jurors' sentencing decisions, and issues related to the emotional appeal of VIS. Psycholegal research on the influence of VIS on mock jurors is reviewed, and implications of this work for capital sentencing policy and suggested directions for future research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Advancing disability policy: Opportunities and obstacles.

This article highlights opportunities for psychologists to advance disability policy. Obstacles discussed include disabling attitudes, lack of knowledge, and financial interests. The article calls for increased involvement of consumers in research design and greater emphasis on research related to social participation and environmental accommodation for persons with a disability. The need for advocacy in promoting adequate research funding and informing policymakers regarding research findings is emphasized. Continued efforts are needed to broaden psychology training to include more content regarding the social and environmental aspects of disability. Active recruitment into psychology training programs of students with a disability can enhance these efforts. The development of psychological interventions in collaboration with consumer-run organizations is a useful model. Public policies related to reimbursement for services will require continued advocacy. (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)     

Affirmative action: Psychological data and the policy debates.

The authors bring psychological research to bear on an examination of the policy of affirmative action. They argue that data from many studies reveal that affirmative action as a policy has more benefits than costs. Although the majority of pro-affirmative action arguments in the social sciences stress diversity, the authors' argument focuses on issues of merit. The merit-based argument, grounded in empirical studies, concludes that the policy of affirmative action conforms to the American ideal of fairness and is a necessary policy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychological Perspectives on Hate Crime Laws.

Hate crimes are those in which the victim is selected because of his or her actual or perceived race, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin. Hate crime laws have frequently been met with objections. Whereas some objections are based in constitutional law, other objections invoke a variety of psychological constructs, including attitude, motivation, behavior, emotion, and intergroup relations. These objections can be illuminated by relevant psychological theory and research. Topics addressed include the measurement of motivation and intent, and distinctions among attitudes, emotions, and behavior. Hate crimes and other crimes are compared in terms of perpetrators, type and degree of violence, psychological and physical trauma suffered by victims, and community impact. Psychologically based defense strategies used by perpetrators of hate crimes are critiqued. Hate crime laws are also discussed in terms of the political and social values they reflect. Finally, research and policy implications are outlined, including implications for prevention and intervention at the individual, community, and law enforcement levels. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)